Nyayo Stadium hosts university athletics showdown and live music performances on October 3
Kenyan music stars Bensoul, Charisma and Ywaya Tajiri are set to headline the entertainment lineup at the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational finale at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The event, organised by On Running Kenya, will combine a university athletics competition with live performances from some of Kenya’s contemporary music acts and DJs.
Bensoul is expected to bring his soulful sound to the stage, performing popular tracks including Extra Pressure, Favorite Song, Nairobi and Nakufa.
Charisma will add his energetic performance style and vocals to the lineup, with songs including Urao and Sina Noma, while Ywaya Tajiri will perform fan favourites such as Money Over Love and Chai Ya Saa Kumi.
University athletes head for final showdown
The music performances will come as university athletes battle for the top prize after weeks of knockout competition.
Teams from Kenyatta University, Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA), Riara University, Strathmore University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Nairobi (UoN) have competed for places in the final.
The qualifying athletes will face off at Nyayo Stadium for the chance to win a fully paid trip to South Africa for a race experience.
The finale will bring together 18 qualifying university athletes, with the competition providing an opportunity for emerging runners to compete before a national audience.
The event is part of Open Lanes’ effort to connect university athletics with music, culture and the wider running community.
Free entry for fans
Fans will be able to attend the October 3 finale free of charge, giving music and athletics enthusiasts an opportunity to watch the competition and performances at Nyayo Stadium.
With the athletics showdown determining the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational winners and Bensoul, Charisma and Ywaya Tajiri providing the entertainment, organisers are positioning the finale as a full-day celebration of sport and Kenyan culture.
