Nyayo National Stadium will remain operational to host the fourth edition of the KipKieno Classic, a Continental Gold Tour on 20th April 2024.

Speaking during a meeting with Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK), Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said that construction for the stadium will delay for a minimum of six months due to international commitments like KipKeino Classic and Harambee Stars who have two World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Burundi.

“ Kasarani stadium, is a full blown construction site in preparations for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, hence that is why we left Nyayo Stadium for use in the meantime,” said Ababu.

KipKeino will be returning to Nyayo National Stadium, the venue which hosted the first edition in 2021 during the Covid-19 Pandemic but later moved to Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in 2022.

Kasarani Stadium hosted the last two events which were classified as Class A in terms of organisation and logistics. The event has also been able to attract big name athletes from across the globe.

Ababu added that Kenya plans to field players in all the FIFA Youth World Cup qualifiers pointing out that there is a pool of over 2,000 players from school ball games to set up boys and girls teams for Under 20, Under 17, and Under 15.

“We have a huge pool of players and we want to ensure that there is a consistency of players being exposed to international play for experience to ease with transition from youth to senior category.” Added Ababu.

Ababu also commended SJAK for being the best organized group of journalist with a responsible working programe; “We want to foster a good working relationship with the sports journalists to enhance inclusivity for all and all sports. It is easy to work with someone who has clarity of work. Correct us when we error too we are human and not everything will be done in perfection hence a third eye from you will be highly appreciated.”

The CS concluded by urging the journalists to continue hyping the fourth coming WRC Safari Rally scheduled for March 28-31, the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, the inaugural Ladies European Tour (LET) event of the season which tees off at Vipingo Ridge PGA Baobab course on February 8.