A powerful movement to restore the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of the Maragoli Hills, now a shadow of their former glory, is gaining momentum, with legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge officially joining as Race Ambassador.
The initiative, centered on the upcoming Maragoli Hills Reforestation Marathon, aims to transform environmental stewardship into a community-wide athletic challenge.
Spanning close to 465 acres, the Maragoli Hills were once a vibrant ecosystem and a vital water source for Vihiga, Kisumu, Nandi, and Siaya counties.
For over 30 years, however, the hills have suffered severe degradation due to continuous deforestation and encroachment, stripping them of their former beauty and threatening water sources, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions in the affected counties.
Scheduled for 1 February 2026, the marathon is far more than a race; it is a collective stride toward sustainability.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi, he noted that Marathon features categories including the full 42 km marathon, 21 km half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km Fun Run, and a 3 km CEO’s Challenge.
The event is designed to engage participants of all ages and abilities in a shared responsibility for conservation, with the ultimate goal of reigniting a generational legacy of environmental care.
PCS Mudavadi recently led government officials, environmental advocates, corporate partners, security agencies, and community members in a major tree-planting exercise to renew Kenya’s national commitment to environmental restoration and climate resilience.
In line with the National Climate Change Action Plan, Kenya is committed to decarbonization and building climate resilience, with an ambitious target of planting and nurturing 15 billion trees by 2032.
This effort will enhance national security, economic stability, and community well-being.“This is not just about planting trees for today,” PCS Mudavadi emphasized. “It is about growing and nurturing trees for tomorrow and for generations to come.
This is a defining moment in Kenya’s climate action journey. “The reforestation activity is part of a citizen-centered environmental campaign anchored on “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” he added.
Preparations for the marathon are advancing rapidly following a high-impact briefing that brought together key leaders and stakeholders.
The session, chaired by Mr. Victor Enzoveri, head of the Reforestation Team, focused on strategic coordination, addressing challenges, and refining the operational blueprint for a seamless and impactful event.
The meeting was energized by the virtual participation of Eliud Kipchoge, whose acceptance of the ambassadorial role has brought a powerful wave of inspiration and significantly elevated the initiative’s profile.
Among the key figures in attendance were; Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, lending vital institutional support; Hon. Yusuf Chanzu, a prominent local leader emphasizing community ownership and Members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
“Our choice of Maragoli Hills Forest for this environmentally transformative activity is informed by the urgent need to restore these ravaged hills, which are the lungs and lifeblood of over 3.6 million people in Vihiga and neighboring counties,” said. Mudavadi.
He called on citizens to treat tree planting as a lifelong commitment that will mature into forests, creating a healthier environment for generations to come.
He expressed confidence that the Maragoli Hills Reforestation Marathon will significantly enhance forest restoration efforts, adding that the event is poised to become a landmark occasion, that will cement the powerful link between athletic pursuit and environmental preservation.
