The races were flagged off by Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed, Michael Joseph, Chairman Lewa Wildlife conservancy and Nicholas Ng’anga, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Safaricom
Duncan Maiyo from Kaptagat beats seven time winner Philemon Baaru in time of 2:20.04 at the 20th edition of Safaricom Marathon in Lewa.
Lemaiyan Samson followed closely in time of 2:22.52 while Nderitu Edward came third at 2:24.31.
In Women’s 42 category, Emma Muthoni Kiruki clinched first position in time of 2:50.31, followed by Kipsugut Daisy at 3:03.03. Taking third position was Mwaniki Mary Wairimu at 3:18.50.
“I’ve been training extensively and I’m glad that I won as I never expected less. It’s a good feeling to have participated.” said Duncan Maiyo, 41km winner.
In the 21 km race Men’s category, defending champion Morris Munene, John Elimlim and Mike Boit won in 1:06:06, 1:06:29 and 1:06:53 respectively.
Miriam Nakitare led the women’s category in 1:15:11. Pauline Wangui and Caroline Nyaga finished in 1:16:14 and 1:17:12 respectively.
“This unique marathon is exceptional in many ways – it combines an unusual fundraising initiative with one of Kenya’s greatest sporting passions, running. Safaricom is proud to have been part of this noble event for last 20 years to” Said Sylvia Mulinge, Safaricom’s Chief Customer officer.
Other notable personalities who graced the race were; Hon. Margaret Kenyatta, Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed and World Marathon champions Catherine Ndereba and Henry Wanyoike.
“This is one of the toughest Marathons in the world known for its tough terrain. This is my 17th time taking part in this marathon and I believe it’s in taking part in such gruesome Marathons that have enabled me become a world renowned marathoner. It is a privilege having taken part” Henry Wanyoike, world-class middle distance runner.
To mark its 20th Edition, The marathon seeks to raise KES 100 million; 20 times the amount it raised in the year 2000. To date, the marathon has raised over KES 750 million for conservation and community development across Kenya.
![The signing ceremony took place in Kisumu, with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o representing the county government and UN-Habitat Executive Director in Kenya, Anaclaudia Rossbach, signing on behalf of the UN agency. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly implementing the housing upgrade project, which Governor Nyong’o said will primarily target vulnerable groups. “The PINUA programme [is] designed to benefit the most vulnerable members of the community,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable neighborhoods equipped with essential services. Beginning November 1, 2025, the county government, working with UN-Habitat, will launch pilot projects in Kibuye Estate and Muhoroni Sub-County, based on designs and models developed through extensive public participation. The programme will focus on upgrading informal settlements by providing essential social infrastructure such as schools, sanitation facilities, affordable rental housing, early childhood development centres, and public open spaces. It also supports incremental housing models, allowing families to progressively build and eventually own decent homes. Rossbach emphasized UN-Habitat’s global commitment to driving transformative change in urban areas: “This partnership is crucial in advancing our new strategy, which focuses on improving housing access and digitally transforming informal settlements for everyone.” According to UN-Habitat housing architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase will begin in January 2026 with the construction of two blocks of 24 housing units in Kibuye Estate.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/About-us-still-25957706200_7ca2db7e5e_k-100x70.jpg "Kisumu, UN-Habitat sign Ksh2.7bn deal for social housing upgrade")
