By Suleiman Mbatiah
The annual Mau Conservation Marathon is set to secure the future of Kenya’s largest water tower by raising national awareness, mobilizing resources for community-led restoration, and inspiring youth by linking athletic talent with environmental stewardship.
The marathon is a flagship event under the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP). The programme’s Patron, Principal Secretary for Environment Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, said during the launch at the Rift Valley Sports Club that the event transcends sport to become a unifying national movement.
“This is not just a sporting event. It is a movement to unite citizens, athletes, conservationists, the private sector, and local communities behind one powerful message: Linda Mau, Boresha Maisha (Protect the Mau, Improve Lives),” Dr. Ng’eno said.
He emphasized that the Mau Forest Complex is central to the nation’s water, food, energy, and climate security.
“As a son of Nakuru and of the Mau, I witnessed the forest in its splendour and in its decline. Today, we must act together to restore it, because conservation is not a cost but an investment in our economy, health, and future,” he stated.
The marathon, scheduled for 24th October 2025, will be a highlight of the official launch of the MFC-ICLIP programme by President William Ruto in Kuresoi North. Dr. Ng’eno highlighted the programme’s early success, noting that since July, weekly tree-growing activities have led to the planting of over 150,000 seedlings in the Eastern Mau alone.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who presided over the event, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the county’s full commitment. She outlined concrete measures her administration is taking, including installing real-time air quality monitoring sensors, restoring degraded forests, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
“For the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex to succeed, we have chosen to move conservation from boardrooms to the daily lives of the people it affects,” Governor Kihika said.
Demonstrating her personal commitment, Governor Kihika registered as the first participant and pledged to sponsor 1,000 runners. She also highlighted the county’s dedication to nurturing young talent, a point underscored by the presence of world-champion athletes Faith Cherotich and Vincent Ngetich.
The event was graced by Deputy Governor H.E. David Kones, County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, MPs Hon. Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Hon. Alfred Mutai (Kuresoi North), Hon. Liza Chelule (Nakuru County Women Representative), alongside officials from Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Environment.