For the last 25 years, Lewa Safari Marathon has helped mobilise more than Sh1.3 billion for wildlife protection and community development. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event.
Since inception, Safaricom has been the event’s main sponsor. Huawei has also been supporting the initiative. Together, their contributions have strengthened wildlife conservation efforts, uplifted communities and connected people to nature.
This year’s race, set for June 28 at Lewa Conservancy, was launched on Wednesday at Michael Joseph Centre. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said, “As both the marathon and Safaricom mark 25 years, we are proud to commit Sh10 million to this year’s edition. We will also host the Safaricom Karura Mini Run in May, a fundraising initiative we introduced last year with our partners to further support the Lewa Marathon.”
Huawei Kenya CEO Gao Fei said the company is delighted to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for 17 years.
“The conservancy is home to some of the rarest wildlife and we know through our support and that of Safaricom, a difference has been made in preserving these iconic species for future generations and the surrounding communities,” Gao said.
Funds have supported the protection of the critically endangered mountain bongo, a rare species found exclusively in the mountains of central Kenya.
They have also supported conservation efforts for Kenya’s Grevy’s zebra and black rhino, as well as some of East Africa’s last remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants.
Tusk chief executive Nick Bubb said the marathon has for 25 years united runners from around the world in support of Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities.
“Through the event, we have raised funds that drive conservation efforts, protect threatened species and uplift llivelihoods. Celebrating this quarter-century milestone reminds us of the power of collective action and the impact we can achieve together for the future of Africa’s natural heritage,” he said.
Proceeds from the marathon have funded six hospitals and clinics, providing essential healthcare to about 40,000 people each year. It has also supported education through bursaries and infrastructure for more than 10,000 students.
The money has empowered 724 women artisans through beadwork and beekeeping initiatives. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson said the marathon embodies the deep connection between conservation and community.
“At Lewa, we envision a future where all Kenyans value, protect and benefit from wildlife, and this event continues to be a powerful force in making that vision a reality,” he said.
“As one of Kenya’s pioneering conservancies, now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve, Lewa has seen remarkable growth in wildlife populations and biodiversity.”
Watson said the community programmes have expanded to support thousands, reinforcing the essential role of conservation in securing sustainable livelihoods.
“None of this progress would be possible without the unwavering support of our runners, sponsors, conservation partners and the neighbouring communities we work with,” he said.
“As we mark this milestone, we celebrate the extraordinary impact we have made together and look ahead to an even brighter, more sustainable future for people and wildlife.
