The third edition of the Safaricom CEO Run unfolded at Karura Forest on June 13, drawing more than 500 runners from corporate teams, community groups, and Safaricom staff in a showcase of sport aligned with conservation fundraising for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
The event, staged as a precursor to the Lewa Safari Marathon later this month, underscored the growing role of corporate-backed athletics in mobilising resources for environmental and community development initiatives.
Emmanuel Ng’eno and Mbesa Kalondu emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s 21km half-marathon categories, clocking 1:24:47 and 2:08:11 respectively, with Ng’eno outpacing Khamza Ahmed and Antony Mwasaru, and Kalondu edging past Shashu Damaris and Zion Versity.
“This is a special win for me, especially as it was my first time participating in the Safaricom CEO Run,” said Ng’eno, noting the dual reward of athletic achievement and contributing to conservation efforts.
His remarks reflected the broader sentiment of participants who viewed the race as both a competitive and socially purposeful engagement.
The event featured four categories—21km, 15km, 10km, and a 5km fun walk—ensuring inclusivity across fitness levels. Adam Ahmed and Violet Okoti claimed victories in the 15km race, while Joshua Mucha and Hudlyn Hagoi won the 10km, and Joe Mwaniki alongside Mikhala Barasa triumphed in the 5km segment. Safaricom’s Group Chief People Officer, Florence Nyokabi, framed the turnout as evidence of sustained commitment:
“Today’s event was a great success, with more than 500 participants taking part. The positive impact we have witnessed over the years continues to inspire us to strengthen our commitment to conservation and community development,” she said.
Partnerships with organisations such as Huawei, Amref, KCB, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy reinforced the collaborative nature of the initiative, with corporate teams joining running communities to amplify fundraising efforts.
John Kinoti, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer at Lewa Conservancy, emphasised the strategic role of the CEO Run in building momentum: “This event plays an important role in building momentum for the Lewa Safari Marathon while highlighting the impact of conservation efforts,” he said, adding that preparations were nearly complete for the June 27 marathon expected to host 1,400 participants.
Safaricom’s long-standing support for the Lewa Safari Marathon was reaffirmed earlier this year with a Ksh 10,000,000 contribution towards the 26th edition, extending a partnership that has spanned more than two decades.
The telco’s Lions of Lewa team, composed of employees dedicated to fundraising through sport, further illustrated the integration of corporate culture with conservation advocacy. The CEO Run, now in its third year, has become a fixture in Kenya’s corporate social responsibility calendar, blending athletic competition with environmental stewardship.
The 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon, scheduled for June 27 at Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo County, will feature a 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race, and 5km children’s race, with 1,500 runners expected.
As the CEO Run concluded, attention shifted to the larger event, where Safaricom’s sustained involvement and the collective participation of regional and international athletes will continue to channel resources into conservation and community development, reinforcing the intersection of sport, corporate responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
