New Elite Competitions to Boost Athlete Earnings and Standards

NAIROBI – In a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of its domestic track and field circuit, Athletics Kenya (AK) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, announced the introduction of two new elite invitational events boasting significant prize money. The 'Invitational Premium Meets' are scheduled for 2026 and are designed to sit atop the established four-legged AK Track and Field Weekend Meetings.

The first premium event is slated for May 8-9, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with the second scheduled for May 29-30, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. According to AK's Deputy President of Competitions and Technical, Paul Mutwii, the initiative is a deliberate effort to make the local meetings more attractive and rewarding for athletes. "It is high time we changed our approach to make our weekend meetings more appealing," Mutwii stated on Wednesday. He confirmed that top performers from the regular weekend meets, alongside other selected elite athletes, will be invited to compete.

Implications for Kenyan Athletics

The introduction of these well-funded events marks a significant development for athletics in Kenya. For years, many top-tier athletes have prioritized international competitions like the Diamond League due to the substantial financial incentives and level of competition. By creating a premium domestic tier, AK aims to provide a compelling reason for elite athletes to compete on home soil more regularly. "Our athletes need to compete for something at the end of the weekend meetings, which will certainly bring out good competition and improve our standards," Mutwii explained. This move is expected to elevate the quality of local competitions, providing a tougher and more rewarding environment for both established and upcoming athletes. The federation has indicated that a sponsor is already on board for these premium meets, though the detailed prize money structure will be unveiled at a later date.

Broader Calendar Adjustments for Global Success

This announcement is part of a broader overhaul of the Athletics Kenya calendar, aimed at optimizing athlete preparation for major international championships, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Florida. The 2025/2026 track and field season is set to kick off earlier than in previous years, with the first weekend meet at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County. Initially planned for two days, AK announced on Wednesday that the Mumias meet will now be a single-day event on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Similarly, the cross-country season has also been adjusted to start earlier, in August, to ensure athletes are in peak condition for the World Championships in January 2026.

The federation's strategy appears focused on creating a more structured and progressive competition calendar. The regular weekend meets will serve as a platform for emerging talent to gain experience and achieve qualification standards, while the new premium events will offer a high-stakes environment for the nation's best, sharpening their competitive edge ahead of international duties. Mutwii also highlighted that a key focus for the federation is to develop talent in events where Kenya has traditionally underperformed, such as the men's 5,000m, 10,000m, and steeplechase.

Sustained Investment in Athlete Welfare

The move towards higher prize money aligns with a growing trend of increased financial support for Kenyan athletes. In recent years, corporate sponsors like KCB Bank and gaming firm Betika have injected millions of shillings into AK events, including the National Championships and World Championship trials. This financial backing is crucial for athlete development, covering training costs and providing a stable income. Furthermore, the Kenyan government has also increased its reward scheme for medalists at international competitions, signifying a multi-pronged approach to supporting the country's most valuable sporting asset. The new premium meets are a logical next step, embedding significant earning potential directly into the domestic competition structure, thereby fostering a more sustainable and professional environment for athletes within Kenya.