KCB's Mendi Njonjo signs a dummy cheque overlooked by athletes Wiseman Were (L), Sarah Moraa and AK's David Miano and Jack Tuwei (R). / TEDDY MULEI
KCB has on Tuesday announced an Sh8 million sponsorship deal for Athletics Kenya earmarked for the National Championships that kick off on Wednesday and the World Championships trials slated for August 1–2.
Speaking during the unveiling at Kencom House, KCB Foundation director, Mendi Njonjo said the financial package will be split evenly between the two key events.
“Today, we are committing Sh8 million to support key events in the Athletics Kenya calendar. Sh4 million will go into this week’s National Championships and the remaining Sh4 million will support the Tokyo World Championships trials in August,” Njonjo said.
She emphasized that the sponsorship will cover essential logistics to ensure athletes are well-prepared for the global stage.
"This sponsorship is aimed at covering key logistical needs including accommodations as well as other logistical preparations for athletes to be well equipped as they prepare for the global stage."
Njonjo underscored the bank’s enduring commitment to Kenyan sport, revealing that KCB has injected over Sh3 billion across various disciplines in the last 20 years.
"KCB has been a pillar in the growth of sports across the country. Over the past two decades, we have invested Sh3 billion into sports across various disciplines, including athletics, football, volleyball, rugby, chess, motorsports and golf."
"This commitment is rooted in our deep social conviction that we have a responsibility to give back to the communities we serve in line with our brand purpose for people for better," she noted.
KCB's athletics footprint also continues to grow, having supported flagship events like the Iten Marathon and Chemususu Half Marathon.
“We have consistently backed athletic events across the country. Our support for the Iten Marathon and Chemususu dam Half Marathon is a testament to our long-term commitment to the sport.”
Njonjo lauded AK for it's continued nurturing of the country's athletes.
"Over the years the federation has displayed consistent nurturing of athletic talents who continue to proudly fly our flag on the global stage."
"We express our sincere gratitude to the leadership of Jack Tuwei for their steadfast commitment to advancing athletic excellence in the country," Njonjo added.
Looking ahead to the Tokyo World Championships, Njonjo expressed confidence in Team Kenya’s potential to shine.
"We are confident that with proper preparations, Kenya will continue to deliver strong performances and bring home an abundance of gold medals in various races."
"To our athletes, we believe in you wholeheartedly. Our commitment is to ensure you have everything you need to compete at the highest level, and we will continue investing in you," she added.
AK President Tuwei welcomed the partnership, hailing it as a timely boost in the build-up to the global showpiece.
"With the support KCB has given us today, we are going very far. The Tokyo World Championships," Tuwei said.
He praised Kenyan athletes for their continued dominance across various disciplines.
"We are proud of our athletes who continue to shine on the global stage like the Marathon record holders in the men's and women's races Ruth Chepng'etich and the late Kelvin Kiptum," he noted.
Tuwei pointed out Tokyo’s special place in Kenya’s athletics history, recalling the country's first Olympic medal won there in 1964.
"We will be seeing more of those exciting performances in Tokyo and beyond. Tokyo was the first place we got a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1964 and we have had exemplary results there since."
In 1964, Wilson Kiprugut claimed bronze at the Olympic Games, etching his name into athletic history as the first ever Kenyan to claim a medal at the Games.
Tuwei reiterated the federation's commitment to preparing the country's athletes for the global show. "We wish our athletes well all those that make the team to Tokyo.
Make the country happy because you are flying our flag there. Ours as a federation is to ensure we prepare you well for global success," Tuwei said.
He expressed hope that KCB’s backing would extend beyond the two events, helping build a stronger foundation for future success.
"I am sure this partnership will last a long while as we aim to develop our athletics."
