Nyayo Stadium nears completion ahead of Kip Keino Classic

The Nyayo National Stadium is on the verge of completion as it readies to host the Nairobi Continental Tour christened Kip Keino Classic on September 26.

The one-day meet was originally slated for May 2 before it was postponed due to the global spread of coronavirus.

Similarly, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani was earlier earmarked to host the meet but was later moved to the new-look Nyayo Stadium by the organisers.

According to the Meet Director Barnaba Korir, the 30,000-seat stadium is on its final touches with only a new tartan track yet to be laid at the facility.

“The preparations for the meet are going on pretty well. Having settled on Nyayo as our venue, we still have a few areas to address especially concerning the tartan track which is very important for the event. We are currently working on the remaining details and we are happy that everything else is in place,” Korir told Citizen Digital after an inspection tour of the facility.

The stadium which has been under renovation since 2017 has already been fitted with brand seats on the terraces.

At the same time, Korir is confident that Kenya will host a successful event despite the challenges brought about by the strict protocols developed to contain the virus.

Korir explained that Kenya will follow the guidelines set by World Athletics and the Ministry of Sports which are yet to be released.

“It will not be a problem at all since World Athletics has developed protocols to be followed in these events. We will also be following closely the meets that will be held before ours and also the Diamond League which will be resuming next weekend in Monaco,” said Korir.

Kip Keino Classic is the only leg of the inaugural Continental Tour Gold series to be held in African soil.

The 2020 Continental Gold Tour calendar

-Paavo Nurmi Games- Turku, Finland- August 11

-Gyulai István Memorial- Szekesfehervar, Hungary- August 19

-Seiko Golden Grand Prix 2020 Tokyo- Tokyo, Japan- August 23

-Kamila Skolimowska Memorial- Chorzów, Poland- September 6

-59th Ostrava Golden Spike- Ostrava, Czech Republic- September 8

-Memorial Borisa Hanzekovica- Zagreb, Croatia- September 15

Kip Keino Classic- Nairobi, Kenya- September 26