Absa Kip Keino Classic: Omanyala, Were, Moraa tipped for glory

Africa sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala, world 800m women's champion Mary Moraa, national hurdles champion Wiseman Were and former javelin world champion Julius Yego have been tipped for great performances in the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold Series slated for Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on May 31.

"There are new entrants into the fold, but following how the new season has started, I see them carrying the day in this year's championship," Charles Wokabi, Absa Bank Kenya Head of Sustainability, Communication and Corporate Relations, gave out his analysis after they supported the forthcoming race to a tune of Sh60 million on Monday.

"Omanyala is on fire. He is on a great ride. He is in good shape. My bet is on him. And smashing the National and African records (14.70 seconds) in men's 150m at the 2025 Atlanta City Games in the US last Saturday is a clear warning that he will be up to task at the Kip Keino Classic to reclaim his 100m title," Wokabi predicted.

"I think he is now best placed to show the world what he has for now. I'm actually looking forward to that final race of the day at the championship, I can’t wait," he indicated.

Even though he finished ninth last season in the category that was won by Gatis Cakss of Latvia, who hurled a whopping 81.74m, Yego has been given the nod to dominate the men's javelin class this season at the world showdown.

"I firmly believe Yego will be the great surprise package in javelin this year," Wokabi stated.

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On that breath, it is strongly believed that Mary Moraa will go for a double, having emphatically won the pulsating women's 800m category last year where she destroyed a strong field composed of Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda, Oratile Nowe of Botswana, Netsanet Desta of Ethiopia and her cousin Sarah, among others.

Men's 400m hurdles national record holder Wiseman Were, too, is expected to continue with his dominance in the race where he is out for a fourth consecutive title.

Were affirmed the exciting tipping stating: "I'm really fit, I'm blazing hot, and I’m feeling great. I have had enough training and my record from the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix to the World Relay Championship in Guangzhou (China) this year speaks for itself. I'll definitely carry the day at the Kip Keino Classic!"

Wokabi says they are thrilled to sink in Sh60 million in this year's Kip Keino Classic showpiece which he termed as an exciting property asset that enables global athletes to compete with Kenyans in Kenya.

“This championship allows world beaters not only to run here, but to experience the beauty of our country, through sports tourism.

“The event also permits our athletes to win on home soil while enjoying the benefits of Kenyans turning up in large numbers on the stands to cheer them on," says Wokabi.

And are there any plans for the leading financial institution to invest in junior and youth athletics in the future?

"Yes, we have got a few youth engagements that are coming up from the youth chapters of Athletics Kenya (AK) that we will be taking between now and September," he stated.

"Our intention is to spread investment in Athletics to support global, national and grassroots events. We intend to work with AK on those grassroots tours to identify new talents that have potential to come up, go above and beyond and compete against the world’s finest. There is a whole new level of thinking behind the Junior/Youth support that we intend to unravel with AK," he reiterated.

Wokabi indicates that there are plans for the leading financial institution to spread its tentacles to the beautiful game of football and in other sports.

"It's true, football is on our bucket list. We have had conversations with stakeholders at the club and national levels on this, and the talks are ongoing.

“We know football, as a sport, is very close to people's hearts. We have also been in the English Premier League for a very long time, taking fans and consumers for a lifetime experience in the United Kingdom to watch the games. 

“Equally, we have brought legends to inspire and motivate upcoming players locally and among the star visitors have included Robert Pirez (Arsenal), Robbie Fowler (Man City), and Marcel Desailly (Chelsea) among others." 

Asked why he feels sports are beneficial to their brand, Wokabi stated: “Sports enjoys age-old relationships with brands.

“Everywhere you see a great brand, there is always sports behind it and vice versa. Secondly, sports are passion points for people. We find it as a great avenue to connect with fans and consumers alike.

“Thirdly, sports is a whole ecosystem for our economy. A great foreign exchange. It pulls together communities; from organizers, players, transporters, entertainers among others. It’s a whole ecosystem.”

Apart from the financial support for this year's Kip Keino Classic, the bank also intends to offer financial literacy classes to some of the participating athletes.

Other talks on sustainability, support of some of the athlete’s foundations, especially those inspiring school going children to embrace athletics, and sponsoring some participants for the championship are currently ongoing and might be announced soon should they be fruitful.

"We are in conversation with some of the athletes about their passion points and spaces they spend their free time. The inspiration behind this is to get them to really participate in what gives them the energy to go about life," Wokabi underlined.