Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu met officials of Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation (KFHF) to review the 2015 and plan the 2016 Kakamega Forest Marathon. The meeting held on Friday 5th of August 2016, at her Nairobi office also sought to share with her the roadmap to the marathon, a key event held every year to raise awareness about the endangered Kakamega forest ecosystem.
Shimron Litali and Dottrilla Osimbo. Photo courtesy of Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof. Judy Wakhungu
Shimron Litali and Dottrilla Osimbo. Photo courtesy of Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof. Judy Wakhungu
The KFHF delegation comprised of the Chief Executive Mr. George Murila and officials Shimron Litali and Dottrilla Osimbo.
The Cabinet Secretary expressed her joy at having participated in the 2015 Marathon and promised to be run again in the November 26th 2016 event. She also promised to rally support for the Marathon from the various conservation and climate change stakeholders.
Prof. Wakhungu was presented with a token gift from the Foundation by Miss. Dottrilla Osimbo.
The annual event first held at last Saturday of November is set to be held within the cool atmosphere of the Kakamega forest ecosystem.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu
Last year, the marathon was under the supervision and management of the Athletics Kenya. It attracted 846 participants who competed in the 42km, 21km and 15km races. There was also an exhibition 5kms race for the children.
Participants came from Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisii, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia,Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya and Vihiga Counties. Others came from Uganda and tourists from USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, China and South Korea with the local community providing the bulk of the runners. The Marathon attracted a crowd of over 5,000 and we project increased numbers of up to 10,000 this year.