'No Reason to Panic' - Salim Mvurya Reassures Athletes as Kip Keino Classic Moves to Uncertified Ulinzi Stadium

The sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic has now found a new home after months of uncertainty, but questions continue to be raised.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, but athletics enthusiasts, with athletes alike, are scratching their heads concerning the credibility of the stadium.

The Ulinzi Sports Complex, as things stand, does not meet the requirements of a certified World Athletics stadium, but Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has reassured fans ahead of the event.

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The event could not be held at the Nyayo National Stadium since the installation of a tartan track is underway and will not be complete before May 31.

Speaking during the launch of the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, Salim Mvurya revealed that there is no reason for fans and athletes to be worried as everything is on course.

Salim Mvurya revealed that the Nyayo National Stadium is being renovated into a world-class stadium and will not be in a position to host the event.

Mvurya was proud to note that the Kip Keino Classic has since become a global event and they cannot afford to fail the nation.

“The Kip Keino Classic is going into its sixth year and has now become a world-class event, attracting athletes from all over the globe,” Salim Mvurya revealed.

“It calls for the government and the citizens to put in more effort and make this event a success. The event was to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium, but I want to officially announce that it will be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

“We are doing an upgrade there and bringing a tartan track, and now Nyayo can be referred to as a construction site, so we can’t host the event there.”

Salim Mvurya is aware that the Ulinzi Sports Complex does not meet the requirements of World Athletics, but noted that they will make a few changes to ensure everything is ready by Saturday.

He pointed out that as a nation that takes track and field seriously, they will be out to ensure that athletes have the best time and urged fans to show up.

“Ulinzi meets the standards, and where the standards are a little bit low, by Saturday, everything will be complete,” Mvurya said.

“We have no reason to panic; we are a country with alternatives, and we shall continue to shine. This event is not for fun; we are a country known for athletics, and this is an opportunity to continue to shine.”

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medallist Julius Yego and reigning world under-20 800m champion Sarah Moraa lead the home charge.