Halimah Nakaayi Eyes New Challenge at Kip Keino Classic: 'Kenya Is My Second Home'

Abigael Wafula 10:45 - 17 April 2026

Halimah Nakaayi Eyes New Challenge at Kip Keino Classic Image source: Imago

Halimah Nakaayi has hinted at a new approach to her season as she prepares for a fresh challenge at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.

Ugandan middle-distance star Halimah Nakaayi is set to step up from her signature event to compete in the 1500m at the upcoming Absa Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.

The 2019 800m World Champion will use the race at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium as a strategic test to kickstart her new season.

Halimah Nakaayi, who holds Uganda's national 800m record with a personal best of 1:57.26, views the longer distance as a valuable benchmark.

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"I’m opening my season with a focus on assessing my endurance levels and identifying areas that need improvement," Nakaayi explained as quoted by Kip Keino Classic.

"With the outdoor season just starting, this is a good opportunity to understand where we need to work moving forward."

Despite being primarily an 800m specialist, Nakaayi is embracing the new challenge with a straightforward mindset.

"My plan is very simple, just to enjoy the new journey of the 1500m and see how fast I can run on the day," she added.

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Nakaayi hones her skills alongside some of the world's most elite athletes, including multiple Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya. This high-calibre training environment fuels her ambition.

"I am very lucky to train with some of the greatest ladies who have achieved what I am dreaming of achieving," she noted.

"I am working towards being a better version every day. I am physically and mentally prepared to challenge myself by doing longer distances."

This will be Nakaayi's fourth appearance at the Kip Keino Classic. Her previous outings were in the 800m, where she secured a second-place finish in 2021.

Earlier this year, she also competed in Kenya, finishing 11th at the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret. "Kenya is my second home," she said. "It’s my passion to support our own competitions."

This year's Absa Kip Keino Classic marks a return to Nyayo National Stadium and will be held at night for the first time, featuring innovative wavelight technology to aid the athletes.