KCB injects Sh8m into National Athletics Champs, World trials

(L) Kenya's Abel Kipsang, Timothy Cheruiyot (C), and Reynold Cheruiyot during the men's 1500m final national trials at Nyayo Stadium on July 8, 2023. [AFP]

KCB Bank Kenya has announced an Sh8 million sponsorship deal with Athletics Kenya (AK) to support key athletics events in the federation's 2025 calendar.

The sponsorship was unveiled yesterday ahead of the National Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from today to Friday at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The sponsorship is split into two equal parts; Sh4 million will fund the National Championships, while the remaining Sh4 million will support the World Athletics Championships trials, set for August 1-2 in Nairobi. These trials will determine the athletes who will represent Kenya at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Nairobi, KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai stated: "This sponsorship reflects our deep belief in two things, first, in the extraordinary talent of Kenyan athletes who consistently prove themselves as world-beaters, and second, in the robust systems that identify and nurture this talent. Our partnership with Athletics Kenya is about the power of sport to unite our national spirit and ignite the dreams of millions of young Kenyans pursuing their sporting ambitions."

Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei welcomed the sponsorship, calling it both timely and impactful.

"In my years leading Kenyan athletics, I have seen how strategic partnerships like this one with KCB help create champions. This Sh8 million support comes at a critical moment as we prepare for Tokyo 2025. More than just financial aid, it represents the confidence and stability needed to maintain our edge on the global stage while nurturing the next generation of stars."

Kenya remains one of the world's most successful nations in athletics. The country has won a total of 171 medals at the World Championships-65 gold, 58 silver, and 48 bronze-ranking second globally, behind only the United States.