Absa Bank Kenya has lauded authorities in the country for helping secure Nairobi's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

In a statement on Wednesday, the lender lauded Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the generations of Kenyan athletes whose achievements have helped secure Nairobi's hosting rights. 

This milestone reflects decades of athletic excellence and affirms Kenya's standing among the world's leading athletics nations, Absa stated.

It noted that as a committed partner in sports development, Absa celebrates this milestone as recognition of Kenya's enduring contribution to global athletics, the dedication of generations of athletes, coaches and support teams, and the leadership of Athletics Kenya in advancing the sport on the global stage. 

Over the last decade, Absa has invested close to KES 2 billion in the Kenyan sports ecosystem. This includes six years as the proud title sponsor of the Absa Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting that has helped demonstrate Nairobi’s capacity to deliver world-class athletics events. 

Absa also supports the globally acclaimed Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Level Cross Country Tour event that is held at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

Speaking on the historic milestone, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director, Mwihaki Wachira, said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this historic achievement for Kenya, Africa and the global athletics community. Bringing the World Athletics Championships to African soil for the first time is a defining moment that reflects decades of excellence by Kenyan athletes, the leadership of Athletics Kenya and the collective efforts of all those who have worked to elevate the sport. For years, our investment in events such as the Absa Kip Keino Classic and Absa Sirikwa Classic has been driven by a belief that Kenya belongs on the global stage."

Absa’s support for Athletics Kenya extends beyond events sponsorship to championing holistic athlete development and welfare. The bank continues to run financial literacy programmes across training camps, empowering Kenyan athletes to effectively manage their earnings and secure their financial futures.

Having walked side by side with Athletics Kenya for nearly a decade in nurturing local talent and elevating the sport, Absa celebrates this historic achievement as a defining moment for Kenya’s athletics legacy and a proud milestone for the continent.