By:Betty Luke
At least 100 bright learners from vulnerable backgrounds are set to benefit from sustainable education scholarships under a KSh100 million endowment fund that the 2026 Uzalendo Half Marathon aims to raise.
The initiative, launched in Nairobi ahead of the July 18 marathon, seeks to secure long-term funding for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students while promoting patriotism, healthy living and community participation through sport.
According to the officials, 80 percent of the funds raised will be invested in the endowment fund to guarantee sustainable scholarship financing, while 15 per cent will support infrastructure development at Uzalendo School while five per cent will fund community social responsibility projects.
Speaking during the launch, ICT and Digital Economy PS John Tanui said education remained the country’s backborne, calling on Kenyans to support the initiative to ensure more deserving learners access quality education.
The programme builds on the impact of Uzalendo School, which has educated more than 1,000 learners since 2016.
Held under the theme “Running for Patriotism, Education & Kenya’s Future,” the event will feature a 21km half marathon, 10km race, 5km youth run, corporate fun run and a children’s dash, with a prize purse of more than KSh1.5 million.
Through the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation, 397 students have already received full scholarships worth over KSh54 million.
Beyond fundraising, the marathon aims to identify athletic talent, encourage healthy lifestyles and unite communities around the shared goal of expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable learners.
The marathon will be held on July 18 in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, with organisers hoping it will grow into a national movement that uses sport to transform lives through education.
