Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika joined Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno to launch the inaugural Mau Conservation Marathon. Organized by the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, this event aims to unite Kenyans in restoring the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya’s largest water tower. The marathon, set to become an annual event, seeks to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and promote community-led restoration efforts under the theme “Linda Mau, Boresha Maisha” (Protect Mau, Improve Lives).
Governor Kihika emphasized that the marathon represents more than a sporting event. It serves as a call to action for Kenyans to protect the Mau Forest from deforestation, encroachment, and illegal logging, which threaten water security, climate stability, and public health. She described the forest as a critical ecological asset, supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential ecosystem services like clean water, fresh air, and fertile soils. “The Mau is a lifeline. It feeds rivers, lakes, farms, and cities, sustaining food security, the economy, and the environment,” Kihika stated. She urged immediate action, emphasizing unity and sustainability.
During the launch, Kihika registered as the first participant and pledged to sponsor 1,000 runners from Nakuru County. She outlined Nakuru’s environmental priorities, which focus on three goals: restoring 60,000 hectares of degraded forest by 2030, promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and agroforestry, and strengthening community engagement for long-term environmental stewardship. Kihika also highlighted Nakuru’s installation of real-time air quality monitoring sensors, part of a data-driven strategy to safeguard the environment.
Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Patron of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), underscored the marathon’s role in raising awareness and mobilizing resources for restoration. He noted that the event will nurture sporting talent while promoting conservation. Ng’eno revealed that over 150,000 seedlings have been planted in Eastern Mau, ahead of the program’s official launch by President William Ruto on October 24, 2025. He emphasized that the marathon will support community-led efforts to restore the forest and improve livelihoods.
The event saw participation from key figures, including Deputy Governor David Kones, County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, Woman Representative Liza Chelule, Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, and Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai. Senior government officials, Athletics Kenya representatives, conservation partners, and private sector sponsors also attended, signaling broad support for the initiative.
The Mau Forest Complex, spanning over 400,000 hectares, plays a critical role in Kenya’s environmental and economic stability. It serves as the source of major rivers, including the Mara, Ewaso Ng’iro, and Sondu, which feed lakes like Nakuru, Victoria, and Natron. These rivers support agriculture, hydropower, and urban water supply across multiple counties. However, years of deforestation and encroachment have degraded significant portions of the forest, threatening water availability and biodiversity. The Mau Conservation Marathon aims to address these challenges by fostering collective action and sustainable practices.
The marathon aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental goals, including the national target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy. By engaging communities, athletes, and stakeholders, the event seeks to create a movement for environmental conservation while promoting health, fitness, and economic opportunities through sports tourism. The inclusion of local runners, supported by Governor Kihika’s sponsorship, ensures strong community participation and ownership of the restoration efforts.
Organizers plan to make the Mau Conservation Marathon a flagship event, combining conservation advocacy with athletic excellence. Funds raised will support tree planting, community education, and sustainable livelihood programs. The marathon also aims to position Nakuru as a hub for eco-tourism, leveraging its proximity to the Mau Forest and attractions like Lake Nakuru National Park.
As Kenya faces increasing climate challenges, initiatives like the Mau Conservation Marathon highlight the importance of collective responsibility. By protecting the Mau Forest, Kenyans can secure water resources, preserve biodiversity, and build a sustainable future. The event marks a step toward achieving these goals, with Nakuru County leading the way in environmental stewardship.
For more information on participating in the Mau Conservation Marathon or supporting restoration efforts, visit the official website of the State Department of Environment and Climate Change. Join the movement to protect Kenya’s water tower and improve lives through sustainable action.