The 1st Edition of Mau Conservation Marathon has been launched.
This is under Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MCF-ICLIP).
The launch that took place in Nakuru on Wednesday October 1, 2025 saw leaders among them Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika, MFC-ICLIP Patron and Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Eng. Dr. Festus Ngeno reiterate the need to incorporate communities in matters conservation.
It should be noted that Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme(MFC-ICLIP) is 10-year program with estimated Kshs 21.5 Billion budget.
The program targets Eastern, Molo, Western and South West Blocks of Mau Complex and the adjacent farmlands covering 317,115 ha.
MFC-ICLIP aligns with Kenya’s Global and Regional commitments, including the SDGs(1,2,6,7,8,12,13,15), the AFR100 initiative under which Kenya has pledged to restore 5.1 million Ha by 2030, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC).
At the National level, the Programme is aligned with the Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions(NDCs), National Climate Change Action Plan(NCCAP) and the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy aimed at growing 15 Billion trees by 2032, across degraded landscapes.
The First Edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon underscores the need to using sports to create awareness in matters Environmental conservation.
The Marathon shall take place on October 24, 2025 with two categories of 21Kms and 10Kms and Registration fee is Kshs 500.
It is supported by various stakeholders among them Athletics Kenya (AK) through planning and the routes as well various stakeholders, County Government of Nakuru, State Department of Youth and sports, among others.
The 21Kms route: Olenguruone-Molo-Keringet Road, Kiambereria-Chepsir Road and finish next to Baringo Prinary School in Kuresoi North.
Speaking during the launch of the Marathon, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika who was Chief Guest lauded the initiative for involving community members in matters conservation.
Kihika reiterated that Mau complex plays key role and should be safeguarded by all.
“The Mau complex forest is an ecological powerhouse that provides clean air, water and fertile soils. Deforestation, illegal logging and invasion have continued to mess the Forest. We need to join hands in addressing the same,” stated Kihika.
She reiterated the need for sustainable livelihoods through the true conservation that starts at grassroots enabling ownership by community led conservation groups.
On the Mau Conservation Marathon, Kihika was categorical that it reminds everyone that the race to heal the environment is a marathon that all have to participate in ensuring a greener Nakuru and Nation.
She called on stakeholders to combine energy, expertise and knowledge towards safeguarding Mau complex.
“The County Government of Nakuru will sponsor 1000 participants in the race,” Kihika stated.
Principal Secretary State Department of Environment Eng. Dr Festus Ng’eno recalled how Molo block of Mau Forest was destroyed, parts of Sirikwa in Kuresoi North where traces roots, could not receive rainfall.
He lauded the County Government of Nakuru for the great support to the Ministry towards conservation of Mau.
The MFC-ICLIP that will be launched soon in Baringo Secondary School in Kuresoi North, the PS pointed out will help transform even livelihoods through innovation and inclusivity.
The Mau Conservation Marathon is more than just athletics, but will help create awareness, mobilize for resources towards conservation, and strides to wards the same but moreso improve local communities’ livelihoods.
“I call upon athletes, Kenyans of goodwill and the community to come up and register for the Marathon that will be an annual event towards conservation of Mau,” he stated.
Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi who is also an environmental ambassador, was categorical that climate change is real and effects are felt everywhere hence need to embrace conservation.
She pointed out that the subcounties such as Njoro, Molo and Kuresoi have felt the negative impacts of degradation of environment in the past.
Kathambi revealed that she has been having initiatives of greening in schools.
The Lawmaker called on Ministry to also empower young people engaging in matters environment conservation by purchasing seedlings from the various groups.
“As we support the idea of President in conservation, as elected leaders we have to do it now, and not tomorrow,” she stated.
Kathambi announced that she will sponsor participants of the Marathon from Njoro.
Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai who before becoming MP engaged in charcoal business, was categorical that he is a converted leader who is ready to support conservation initiatives.
“The one speaking before you is a converted ambassador. I continue to pay for the debts that I did illegally without knowledge that what I was doing was illegal,” stated MP Mutai.
He lauded Athletics Kenya for ensuring sanity in matters athletics in the country.
The Legislator called for the need to ensure Junior and upcoming athletes are incorporated in such Marathon.
“As we celebrate the Seniors, we also have a duty to incorporate juniors and ensure that they are also nurtured,” he stated.
He at the same time pointed out that he will sponsor some of his youth in the marathon.
Nakuru Woman MP Liza Chelule while expressing her passion for environment conservation, reiterated the need for unity of all leaders and stakeholders towards the noble initiative.
She will be sponsoring 30 participants in the marathon.
The Lawmaker also used the opportunity to air her concerns over rising cases of gender based violence.
She called for a collective approach in addressing the same.
Nancy Sigei represented Athletics Kenya President Rtd General Tuwei.
She pointed out that AK remains committed towards conservation of Mau Complex through partnership with other stakeholders.
According to her, Nakuru region is now becoming great producers of athletes.
She reiterated that the Mau Conservation Marathon will take place under the laid down guidelines by patron AK, adding that Nakuru will have numerous AK camps to help nurture athletes.
County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara who spoke during the event reiterated the importance of Mau Complex conservation.
He revealed that demarcation already done in Likia to separate human habitation and the Forest complex.
According to the County Commissioner, there shall be a tree planting activity in various schools that will also be graced by Lands CS.
Gold medalists Faith Cherotich(21) who represented Faith Kipyegon at the event urged her fellow athletes to run clean and run for the environment.
“I would like to urge my fellow athletes that let’s run clean, and run for environment,” she said.
The stakeholders are targeting to plant 4 million seedlings in the blocks through the awareness.
Community Livelihoods improvement is one if the five components of the MFC-ICLIP Project.
Sustainable Landscape Management is also another component of the Project through creation of green jobs likely for the young people in areas around the Complex.
The event was also graced by Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones, CECMs, partners and Nakuru County Assembly members.