Kip Keino Classic Wanyonyi Levell 2026

World 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and world 200m bronze medallist Bryan Levell of Jamaica are among the latest headline acts confirmed for the seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour, set for April 24.

The Kip Keino meeting will serve as a crucial launching pad for Wanyonyi as he looks to build momentum ahead of a demanding 2026 international campaign.

The 21-year-old middle-distance sensation is set to step up to the 1,500m, where he will test his range against a formidable cast including Timothy Cheruiyot, Jonah Koech, Vincent Keter and Abel Kipsang.

Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football

Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

Meanwhile, Levell, fresh off his world podium finish, will dock in Kenya with intent, aiming to shake up both local sprinting royalty and a strong international field.

The men’s 200m is already shaping into a blistering showdown, with South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile, American Kyree King and Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie all confirmed.

Kip Keino Classic meet director Barnaba Korir underlined the depth of this year’s lineup, revealing a glittering cast of Kenyan stars led by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, alongside Wanyonyi.

“We are excited to confirm an exciting 2026 edition lineup that will include our own Ferdinand Omanyala, Timothy Cheruiyot, Julius Yego and Emmanuel Wanyonyi,” Korir said.

He further noted that a formidable international contingent is expected to inject even more quality into what promises to be a high-octane night of athletics in Nairobi.

“We also have international stars including Dalilah Muhammad, Muzala Samukonga, Ethan Katzberg and Thomas Röhler, among other top stars,” he added. Korir emphasised that this year’s edition carries added significance, with the meet set to break new ground under the lights.

“This year marks a major milestone. For the first time, the Kip Keino will be held under the floodlights of Nyayo Stadium, just like the Diamond League meetings,” he said.

Doubling up as Athletics Kenya’s youth development chair, Korir also pointed to Kenya’s growing appeal as a global athletics hub. “We are delighted that international athletes continue to choose Kenya not only for competition but also for the unique energy and culture in our country.”

He reflected on the meet’s rich history, noting that previous editions have attracted some of the sport’s biggest names, including Letsile Tebogo, Kenneth Bednarek, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Sha'Carri Richardson, as well as local favourites Mary Moraa and Omanyala.

Korir called on fans to pack Nyayo Stadium and create an electric atmosphere. “Since its inception in 2020, the Kip Keino Classic has grown into one of the premier events in Africa. We call on our fans to come out in large numbers and make it another successful edition.”

This year’s showpiece has received a further financial boost, with Absa Bank Kenya injecting Sh35 million, with Sh27 million directed towards rights fees, with the remainder supporting marketing and branding.

Absa Bank Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Washira Mwihaki, reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing commitment to sports development.

“Over the last decade, we have invested over Sh2 billion in sports. In athletics, our partnership with Athletics Kenya spans six amazing years. We are really looking forward to seeing our athletes under the floodlights on April 24,” she said.

Tournament director Kennedy Tanui confirmed that organisers will stage a full test run on April 23 to ensure a flawless delivery.

“We will have a test event on Thursday beginning at 6 pm to ensure everything, including the sound equipment, timing systems, as well as the floodlights are working because this is the very first night event.”

Tanui also revealed a major addition to this year’s programme, with the introduction of Under-20 races aimed at nurturing the next generation.

“For the first time, we shall also have the U20 Kip Keino. We have over 55 camps across Kenya developing U20 talent, and this event offers the perfect platform to showcase it.”

He added that the meet will double up as a pathway for young athletes chasing qualification for the World U20 Championships in Eugene later this year. “Kip Keino is one of the key routes for our athletes to meet the very high standards required for the global event.”