Nairobi, July 5th 2026
Nairobi City County has officially validated its partnership with Standard Chartered Bank Kenya ahead of the highly anticipated 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The collaboration was cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting sports, healthy living, tourism and environmental sustainability across the capital.
Representing Governor Sakaja Johnson at the official launch, the Ag. County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali, who was accompanied by Boniface Waweru – County Attorney,
Oscar Igaida- Chief Officer – Sports, Eva Wairuku – Chief Officer, Security and Compliance and Linet Boyani – Director, Sports commended Standard Chartered Bank for its multi-decade investment in community development. He described the partnership as a significant milestone that elevates Nairobi’s image as a premier global sporting and economic hub.
“This partnership means a great deal to Nairobi City County as the host city,” Mr. Akumali stated. “It brings people from across the globe, providing an opportunity to showcase what Nairobi has to offer, including the Nairobi National Park, the Nairobi Expressway, and other key infrastructure that reflects the city’s growth and development.”
This year’s marathon will take place on the 25th October 2026, under the theme “Now it is your turn” will feature scenic and impactful marathon route.
The Local Organizing Committee Chairman David Mwindi noted that the theme serves as a rallying call for individuals of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves, adopt healthier lifestyles, and make a positive impact through sport.
Participants will race along a scenic route on the Southern Bypass, set against the unique backdrop of the Nairobi National Park, highlighting Nairobi’s reputation as the world’s only “green city in the sun.”
Driving Social and Environmental Change Beyond elite athletic competition, the partnership is geared toward creating lasting social change. Through the Standard Chartered Foundation, the bank continues to empower local youth by providing transformative opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and employability.
The MoU directly supports the county’s vision of a climate-smart city. Nairobi City County and Standard Chartered are actively partnering to plant 50,000 tree seedlings to expand urban green spaces and reinforce community health initiatives across all sub-counties. Multi-Sectoral Support for a World-Class Event.
The Marathon launch was attended by key dignitaries and county officials, highlighting a robust, multi-sectoral commitment to ensuring public safety, seamless traffic management, and emergency response services.
Mr. Akumali urged Nairobi residents, media partners, and volunteers to register early and turn out in large numbers to cheer on the runners, showcasing the boundless energy, beautiful diversity, and unmatched hospitality that define the city.
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