Shadrack Nyakoe
The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted a record sponsorship of KES 233 million ahead of the race scheduled for October 26, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens. The event has already reached full capacity, with 30,000 registered runners from 92 nationalities, closing registration well ahead of the October 10 deadline.
This year’s sponsorship marks a 35% increase from the KES 173 million raised in 2024, reflecting the growing commitment of Kenya’s corporate and development partners to purpose-driven sports sponsorships. In total, 43 sponsors have contributed both cash and in-kind support to ensure a world-class experience for participants and long-term community impact.
“We are proud to see both sponsor and participant numbers grow significantly this year. This strong turnout is evidence of the collective will to transform lives, nurture talent, and drive positive change through the Futuremakers initiative,” said David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee.
Standard Chartered Bank remains the title sponsor with a contribution of KES 130 million. KWAL has secured naming rights for the 21km race with a KES 10 million sponsorship, while Prudential—the official sponsor of the 5km Family Fun Run—has committed KES 9.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions, including insurance cover for all participants.
“Through the Futuremakers initiative, the marathon raised KES 48 million in 2024, which was directly invested in Futuremakers programmes. This year’s edition aims to raise over KES 75 million,” said Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing, Standard Chartered Kenya.
“The initiative has impacted more than 55,000 underserved young people since 2019, including support for over 1,300 microbusinesses through an investment of KES 133 million in a three-year employability programme launched in 2024.”
Other key sponsors include Anta Sports (KES 5 million), EABL (KES 3.5 million), and UNDP (KES 3.2 million). Healthcare support has been bolstered by AAR Healthcare, Aga Khan University Hospital, AMREF, and Osteocare, while Tetra Pak, ORS, Reload, Coca-Cola, and Tawi are providing hydration and nutrition for runners along the route.
Logistics and technology partners—including Eden Cabs, BasiGo, PTG, Little Limited, and NTT Data—will ensure smooth transport, kit delivery, and reliable internet connectivity. Retail and consumer brands such as Carrefour, Molfix/Molped, Healthy U, La Roche, Ariel & Downy, Rohto, Centrum, Razco, Fitbeat, and Uchumi have also joined hands to support the event.
The marathon’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) agenda is championed by Light for the World and CBM Christian Blind Mission, ensuring accessibility and tailored support for persons with disabilities. Kisskids will once again provide mother’s rooms along the route, while TakaTaka Solutions and Unicaf are leading sustainability and waste management efforts.
Sports tourism promotion is being led by Magical Kenya, Kenya Airways, and Bonfire Adventures, showcasing the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage to participants and visitors. Long-standing partners Subaru and G4S will continue providing lead car and security services, while national media houses Nation Media Group and Standard Group serve as official media partners.
“Our partnership with the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon reflects our commitment to initiatives that deliver lasting impact. While we support elite athletes chasing global recognition, we also want to inspire families and communities to embrace active, healthy lifestyles,” said Bernard Kinyanjui, Prudential Head of Corporate Affairs.
Hosted by Nairobi County and the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, this year’s marathon will feature the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km Family Fun Run, as well as competitions for persons with disabilities.
With enhanced hydration, medical care, nutrition, logistics, and security, the 2025 edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon promises a world-class experience—further deepening its social and economic impact on communities across Kenya.
Patmoz
