KCB Bank has unveiled Sh8 million sponsorship for Athletics Kenya’s programmes starting with the three-day National Athletics Championships that begins today at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Langata in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, World 800m champion Mary Moraa and her cousin Africa 800m champion Sarah Moraa have promised a memorable showdown in women’s 800m with Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala laying down the gauntlet in 100m and 200m at the nationals.
Kenya's Mary Moraa celebrates after winning women's 800 metres race during the Absa Kip Keino Classic at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on April 20, 2024.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Njonjo said during the sponsorship announcement that the return of KCB to athletics after almost a decade, will further deepen their long-standing investment in sports, spanning over 20 years.
Njonjo said that they want to continue being part of the country’s rich athletics legacy by helping Athletics Kenya and athletes prepare for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya celebrates after winning heat 2 in the 100m Men Round 1 at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France on August 03, 2024
Photo credit: Joan Preruan | Nation Media Group
“Our partnership reflects our deep belief and social conviction that we have in the extraordinary talent of Kenyan athletes who consistently prove themselves as world beaters, and the robust systems that identify and nurture this talent,” said Njonjo.
He said that their partnership with Athletics Kenya is about the power of sport to unite and ignite the dreams of millions of young Kenyans who intend to pursue their sporting ambitions.
Njonjo revealed that the KCB Foundation has given full scholarships to 50 boys and girls in high school for both education and athletics for a period of four years.
Most of the students in Transcend Academy in Trans Nzoia owned by former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir.
“These young men and women are a testament of the potential they have and we must help them unlock their greatness,” said Njonjo, who was accompanied by KCB Head of Premium Banking, Simon Halonda.
KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo (left) hands over the partnership relay button to Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei to symbolise the Sh8m partnership agreement between KCB Bank and the sports body at Kencom House, Nairobi on June 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“This forms part of my preparations for my world title defence,” said Mary Moraa, who is keen on reclaiming the national title from reigning Kip Keino Classic champion Lilian Odira.
Moraa will compete in 800m, women’s 4x400m and 4x400m mixed relays.
Sarah Moraa, who finished second last year at the nationals behind Odira, kept her cards close to her chest.
"It's a process...we start at the heats then final," she simply said.
Were said he hoped to get it right as he also yearned to recapture the title after missing last year's nationals.
"Nothing to worry about since I believe in myself. Let my fans expect something different," said Were, who retained his Kip Keino Classic title in a personal best time of 48.37 that was inside the World Championships mark.[email protected]
