Kenyatta University Teams Qualify for the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational

 

Students of Kenyatta University during the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational finals after dominating an intense set of in-campus qualifiers-Photo Courtesy

By Dickson Odhiambo

September 18, 2026

Kenyatta University Teams Qualify for the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational

Three relay squads from Kenyatta University have secured their spots in the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational finals after dominating an intense set of in-campus qualifiers.

Powered by Swiss sportswear giant On, the competition brings together student-athletes across Nairobi to compete for inter-university bragging rights and a grand-prize, fully paid race weekend experience in South Africa.

This qualification marks the beginning of the next phase of the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational.

The knock-out qualifiers will see students from Kenyatta University, CUEA, Strathmore, JKUAT, University of Nairobi, and Riara University, go head-to-head in relay races for the grand prize finals on 3rd October 2026 at Nyayo Stadium.

The competition will also offer an opportunity to take the experience beyond the track, with four standout student athletes selected from the competing teams earning a fully paid trip to South Africa for a one-of-a-kind race experience.

 The opportunity will give the students a chance to test themselves in a new competitive environment, experience South Africa’s running culture, and create memories beyond the university circuit.

Speaking at the kick-off event, Navalayo Osembo, Director of Africa at On said they have officially kicked of the knock-out session for the Open Lanes Varsity Invitation and have held a fun experience at Kenyatta University.

 

“For the next two weeks, we will be on tour to the participating universities where we hope to discover great talent ahead of the finals. Our ambition is to build a community that celebrates Kenyan heritage and inspire young people to experience sports and culture in a different way,” he says.

The brand originally established itself within the Kenyan market through partnerships with local runners and communities such as We Run Nairobi as it connected with the new generation that sees running not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle, source of connection, and a means of self-expression. In 2025, the two partners organized a community run at Windsor Golf Club, bringing together over 500 runners, reflecting the growing appetite for accessible social experiences in the city.

They have additionally partnered with various Kenyan stars Hellen Obiri, Patrick Kipngeno, Mercy Chepngeno, among others, in a bid to supporting African athletes across disciplines and at different stages of their careers. This support was further reinforced by the recent signing of South African 400 m star and World U20 champion Lythe Pillay, who became the first professional athlete to join On’s global athlete roster.  

As On continues to establish its roots in Africa, its ambition is to build an ecosystem around movement and storytelling as it supports an environment where young athletes can compete, connect and be seen, reinforcing the brand's commitment to the development of the true African culture.

Kenya joining the growing African footprint is important in the next chapter of the brand. The country’s sporting culture, growing digital penetration, and young vibrant market creates an opportunity for investors to deepen connections with wider communities.