Leading mobile services provider Safaricom has reaffirmed its long-standing support for conservation and community development by committing Ksh 25 million to the Lewa Safari Marathon as both the company and the race celebrate their 25th anniversaries.
Since its inception in 2000, the Lewa Safari Marathon has grown into a globally recognised event that not only brings together elite and amateur runners but also serves as a major fundraising platform for wildlife conservation and social development initiatives.
Held annually at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the marathon has raised more than Ksh 1.3 billion, funding projects that protect endangered species, expand access to healthcare, improve education, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
Over the years, Safaricom has remained the marathon’s main sponsor, playing a central role in sustaining its impact by providing financial support that ensures the continuity of these critical initiatives.
This year’s Ksh 25 million contribution extends the company’s tradition of backing programmes that drive long-term change in environmental conservation while uplifting communities living near wildlife habitats.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Ndegwa described the marathon as an initiative that aligns with the company’s mission of transforming lives through partnerships that deliver meaningful progress in key sectors such as conservation and rural development.
To further enhance fundraising efforts, Safaricom has also organised the Cin May, an event introduced last year to generate additional resources for projects linked to the Lewa Safari Marathon.
The marathon’s long-term success has attracted support from multiple corporate sponsors, with Safaricom’s continued involvement inspiring new partnerships that strengthen the financial base required to expand conservation and community projects.
Funds raised through the event have been directed towards protecting species such as the black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, and the critically endangered mountain bongo, alongside sustaining medical facilities that serve around 40,000 people annually.
Educational programmes benefiting more than 10,000 students have also been supported, alongside initiatives aimed at empowering local artisans, particularly women engaged in beadwork and beekeeping, as part of efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods.
As Safaricom and the Lewa Safari Marathon mark 25 years, this latest contribution reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to conservation and community well-being, ensuring that the marathon remains a key driver of positive change for years to come.
