- ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui said the proceeds would go toward establishing the Uzalendo Endowment Fund, which is intended to serve as a permanent and reliable source of scholarship financing for students
- The marathon is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at Emining Junction and finishing at the Koibatek ATC Grounds in Baringo County
- The marathon is being held under the theme “Running for Patriotism, Education and Kenya’s Future.”
Organisers of the second edition of the Uzalendo Half Marathon have set a fundraising target of KSh100 million to establish a sustainable education endowment that will guarantee scholarships for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged learners for years to come.
The marathon, held under the theme “Running for Patriotism, Education and Kenya’s Future,” was officially launched at the Icon Plaza Hotel in Nairobi, formerly known as Laico Regency, setting the stage for a nationwide fundraising campaign that organisers hope will draw in athletes, corporate organisations, government institutions, schools, development partners and members of the public.
Speaking during the launch, ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui described the marathon as a practical demonstration of how collective action can unlock opportunities for vulnerable learners, expressing confidence that organisers would meet the KSh100 million target.
Tanui said the proceeds would go toward establishing the Uzalendo Endowment Fund, which is intended to serve as a permanent and reliable source of scholarship financing for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He described education as one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth, innovation and social mobility, noting that every scholarship awarded represents an investment in the country’s future workforce, leadership and competitiveness.
The Principal Secretary pointed to the track record of Uzalendo School, established in 2016, which has since educated more than 1,000 learners. He also cited the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation, which has awarded 397 full scholarships worth over Sh54 million to bright students who lacked the financial means to pursue their education, with many beneficiaries going on to build careers as professionals and community leaders.
To secure long-term impact, organisers have adopted a structured financing model for funds raised during the marathon. Under the framework, 80 per cent of all proceeds will be channelled into the Uzalendo Endowment Fund to sustain scholarship support for future beneficiaries, 15 per cent will go toward improving learning infrastructure at Uzalendo School, and the remaining 5 per cent will finance community social responsibility programmes benefiting residents of Eldama Ravine and its surrounding areas.
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Organisers stressed that the marathon’s ambitions extend beyond fundraising alone, positioning it as a national platform for promoting educational equity, nurturing sporting talent, encouraging healthy living and strengthening social cohesion through active citizen participation.
The event will feature five race categories designed to accommodate participants of varying ages and abilities: the flagship 21-kilometre Half Marathon for men and women, a 10-kilometre race, a 5-kilometre Youth Run for secondary school and college students, a 5-kilometre Corporate Fun Run, and a 2-kilometre Children’s Dash aimed at learners in primary and junior schools.
By opening participation to elite athletes, amateur runners, students, families and corporate teams alike, organisers hope to broaden public support for education while also identifying and nurturing emerging athletic talent.
The marathon is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at Emining Junction and finishing at the Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Grounds in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County. Organisers expect the event to draw thousands of participants from across Kenya and the wider East African region, including elite athletes, schools, universities, government agencies, private sector organisations, development partners and community groups.
Organisers believe the Uzalendo Half Marathon has the potential to grow into one of Kenya’s premier charity sporting events, illustrating how sport can be leveraged to expand educational opportunities, empower young people and drive sustainable national development. As Kenya continues pursuing inclusive access to quality education, the marathon stands as a reminder that partnerships between communities, government, the private sector and well-wishers can ensure no talented learner is denied an opportunity to succeed due to financial constraints.
By Hillary Muhalya
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