Planting Seeds for Champions: Kids’ Athletics Debuts at the Kip Keino Classic
𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: A new chapter in Kenya’s athletics story unfolds as Kids’ Athletics takes a historic leap onto the global stage at the 6th edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour.
For the first time, children will participate in an official World Athletics Continental Tour event, marking a strategic effort by Athletics Kenya (AK) to identify and nurture young talent from the grassroots.
“This is where it all begins. We’re planting seeds for the future,” said Joseph Ilovi, AK’s Youth Secretary. “We’ve often focused on Under-18 and Under-20, but we overlooked the younger ones. This initiative bridges that gap.”
This inclusion comes just days after Kenya was crowned global winner in the World Athletics Kids’ Relays activation. Now, with Kids’ Athletics officially integrated into the May 31 event, Kenya is reaffirming its global leadership in youth athletics development.
Barnaba Korir, Meet Director and AK Youth Development Director, said the decision to include children in the lineup is both symbolic and strategic.
“It’s not just entertainment. It’s about giving them exposure, building identity, and showing them their dreams are valid,” Korir noted. “Sharing a stage with legends like Omanyala and Kipyegon will inspire them deeply.”
Children will get a rare chance to compete and witness top athletes in action, in what AK hopes becomes an unforgettable and transformational experience.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education, Kids’ Athletics is now part of Kenya’s school curriculum, ensuring early talent discovery becomes institutionalized.
Ilovi emphasized that this shift is also about building a new culture. “When these children return to school, they’ll be inspired. Next year, they’ll be asking when the Kip Keino Classic is happening again.”
Ilovi likened the initiative to farming: “We plant the seeds, water them, and watch which child excels where. This is long-term work.”
He also shared insights from Uganda’s youth program during a visit to Mbale. “They’re doing well because they start at the youngest level. We must wake up and do the same if we want to stay ahead.”
This year’s event will also introduce a modest entry fee—Ksh 2,000 for VIP and Ksh 200 for regular attendees, with proceeds supporting youth development programs.
“We’ve had full stadiums with free entry before. This time, even a small fee will go a long way in supporting our kids,” said Ilovi. “They’re our best shot at ending age cheating and keeping our global dominance alive.”
With children finally being recognized as the heartbeat of Kenya’s athletic future, the Kip Keino Classic is no longer just a competition. It’s a classroom, a stage, and a seedbed for the country’s next generation of champions.
-By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
