A fisheye view of Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi when the facility was officially launched on April 13, 2022. This year’s Kip Keino Classic meet will be staged at Ulinzi Sports Complex after the stadium has undergone some upgrades to meet World Athletics standards.
Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (Sports Fund) chief executive officer Nuh Mohammed Ibrahim wasn’t happy during the launch of the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic on Tuesday.
Ibrahim said that no stadium will be constructed or renovated in the country without consulting the experts so as to avoid wastage of public funds on facilities that will later be dismantled because they were substandard.
Ibrahim said that he wants to see quality and standard multi discipline facilities that are usable by all athletes.
This is after the venue of this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic was moved from the Nyayo National Stadium, where a new tartan track is still being laid, to Ulinzi Sports Complex.
There were concerns that the Ulinzi Sports Complex did not met World Athletics standards despite hosting some local races including the Athletics Kenya Track and Field Meetings.
In other words the venue had not been certified by World Athletics, who have recommended some adjustments.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya said during the launch that the required adjustments will be made by Saturday since the running track is standard. At the 100m starting point, the track will be removed and relaid afresh.
More space will also be created at the start of the 100m.
A hammer cage will be erected while the javelin area will be extended from 32 metres to 36 metres.
With a capacity of 10,000 organisers have said they will for the first time in history charge entry fee to watch the Kip Keino Classic.
Ulinzi Sports Complex that was opened in 1958 as a murram track for Kenya Defence Forces athletes underwent a major facelift recently that was completed in 16 months.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi on October 28, 2020, led senior government officials in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ulinzi Sports Complex and inauguration of the Defence Forces Wellness Centre at Lang’ata Barracks, Nairobi.
Its new look facility was officially opened on April 13. While the ground was good for training purpose, hosting a certified championship became the challenge hence the adjustments.
The Kenya Police track and field championships that were scheduled to be held at Ulinzi Sports Complex today and tomorrow have been cancelled.
