The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Equator Tour heads to Ruiru Golf Club this week for its fifth leg, with the four-day tournament scheduled from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19. Organisers said the event is expected to draw more than 50 of Kenya’s professional golfers as the circuit’s Order of Merit standings begin to take shape.

According to the press release, the Ruiru leg will contribute “crucial ranking points” in a qualification race tied to the 2027 Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The start list is expected to include Samuel Njoroge, Njoroge Kibugu, Mutahi Kibugu, Greg Snow, Mohit Mediratta, Dismas Indiza, David Wahu, Daniel Nduva and Edwin Mudanyi, among others.

The event comes a week after the circuit’s fourth leg at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, where Njoroge Kibugu won, according to the same release.

Heading into Ruiru, Thika Golf Club’s Samuel Njoroge—one of four golfers sponsored by Safaricom—tops the Order of Merit with 2,377 points after four legs. He is followed by Kakamega’s Dismas Indiza with 1,890 points, while Greg Snow is third on 1,720 points, the organisers said.

Mutahi Kibugu said the Ruiru stop will be a test of consistency as competition for points intensifies. “I am looking forward to competing at Ruiru and building on the progress I have made over the last four legs. This tour means a lot to me, not only as a young golfer but also for other local professionals. The competition is always intense, and it is difficult to predict who will come out on top. My focus is to remain consistent and put myself in a strong position throughout the week,” said Mutahi Kibugu.

PGK said the Equator Tour is designed as a season-long circuit across golf courses nationwide, providing local professionals with regular competitive play. The tour is organised by the Professional Golfers of Kenya.

Corporate backing remains a key feature of the circuit’s structure. The press release said the tour “continues to receive support from corporate partners, including Safaricom,” linking the sponsorship to efforts to expand competitive opportunities for Kenyan professionals.

For Kenya’s sports and events economy, the tour’s movement across venues such as Nyali and Ruiru also supports activity for host clubs and surrounding local businesses, including hospitality and transport operators, as players, officials and spectators travel for multi-day events. While the release did not disclose prize money or direct economic impact, the tournament schedule and participant numbers indicate a growing calendar for domestic professional golf.

Safaricom, which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, positions sport sponsorships as part of its broader brand and community engagement activity. In the company background included in the release, Safaricom reported annual revenues of KES 400 billion (as at March 2026) and stated that its total economic value was estimated at KES 1.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025.

Attention at Ruiru will centre on whether Samuel Njoroge can extend his lead at the top of the Order of Merit, or whether challengers such as Indiza and Snow can narrow the points gap. PGK has not announced subsequent venues in this release, but the Ruiru event will set the pace for the next phase of the season-long standings.

Samson Lemayan and Lydia Simiyu won the men’s and women’s 42km races at the 26th Lewa Safari Marathon held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Isiolo County, according to a statement issued by the organisers and sponsors.

Lemayan, a ranger at Samburu National Reserve, defended his men’s title after finishing in 2:27:04. He placed ahead of Victor Miano (2:28:08) and Nehemiah Kimaru (2:32:38). In the women’s race, 32-year-old Kenya Wildlife Service officer Simiyu, from Kitale in Trans Nzoia County, won in 2:50:39, followed by Lydia Nyansikera (2:56:41) and Gladys Otero (3:07:40).

Both the 42km and 21km category winners received KES 150,000 each, while first runners-up earned KES 80,000 and second runners-up KES 60,000, the statement said.

The Lewa Safari Marathon, now in its 26th year, is among Kenya’s high-profile endurance events that combines sports with conservation-linked fundraising at a time when corporate-backed events continue to play a growing role in financing community and environmental programmes in Northern Kenya.

“This is my third year participating in this race and my second time winning it. I have been preparing for this race since last year, and I am happy to have successfully defended my title. This Marathon is more challenging than many other races because of its tough terrain, so winning here means a lot to me as I continue preparing for upcoming races,” Lemayan said.

Simiyu said the win marked her first appearance at the event. “This is my first time participating in the Lewa Safari Marathon, and winning it is a major milestone in my athletics career. It is one of the races I have always wanted to compete in because of its impact on conservation and the surrounding communities, as well as its reputation as one of the toughest marathon courses. I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors, including Safaricom, for making this event such a success,” she said.

In the 21km half marathon, Michael Kamau won the men’s race in 1:06:36, while Mercy Nelima took the women’s title in 1:19:02. Justine Lelintan (1:07:59) and Doreen Kendi (1:23:09) were second, while Simon Saidimu (1:08:30) and Caroline Waithira (1:26:12) finished third in their respective categories. The Executive 10km winners were Wilson Moyer (men) and Jessica Baillie (women), organisers said.

Michael Joseph, an M-PESA Foundation Trustee, linked the event to longer-term corporate support. “Twenty-six years of supporting this marathon reflect our long-standing commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities, extending far beyond wildlife conservation. I would like to thank our fellow sponsors, partners, participants and everyone who contributed to the success of this year's event. We remain committed to supporting this noble cause and ensuring it continues to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead,” Joseph said.

Organisers said the 2026 edition attracted more than 1,400 participants from Kenya and abroad, a turnout that underscores the continued appeal of destination events to domestic and international runners, with potential spillovers for hospitality, transport and local supply chains in host regions.

Rob Macaire, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said the marathon’s focus goes beyond the race itself. “Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of those who crossed the finish line, but also the lasting impact this event continues to make through conservation, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Experiencing my first Lewa Safari Marathon as CEO has been both inspiring and humbling,” Macaire said.

The event was sponsored by Safaricom and Huawei, alongside partners including Amref Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross, Atlas Towers, Safari Link, ICEA Lions, and Tropical Heat, according to the statement. Organisers did not disclose the total amount raised, but said the marathon supports conservation and neighbouring communities, with future editions expected to continue relying on corporate sponsorship and participant turnout as key drivers.

Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba Season Five begins on Saturday, June 27, with grassroots matches across the Western region as registrations for the youth football tournament rose to 3,178 teams nationwide, according to a company press release dated June 26, 2026.

The opening round in Western Kenya has attracted 521 teams drawn from Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Bungoma counties. Safaricom said the regional entry includes 340 boys’ teams and 181 girls’ teams, which it described as an increase from the previous season.

Nationally, Safaricom reported that 2,367 boys’ teams and 811 girls’ teams registered for the tournament, taking the total to 3,178 teams and exceeding a target of 3,000 teams. The company did not disclose the prior season’s national registration figures in the statement.

The tournament forms part of Safaricom’s broader youth and community programming and sits at the intersection of sport, education and corporate social investment in Kenya. For businesses, such initiatives remain a key channel for brand engagement in counties while also supporting talent development and local ecosystems around sports—ranging from transport and hospitality to small traders around match venues.

Speaking ahead of the kick-off, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa linked the high registration numbers to the tournament’s role in youth football development.

“Every season, we are seeing more teams, more talent, and more success stories emerge from communities across Kenya. While not every team was able to secure a place in this year's competition, we encourage those who missed out to continue preparing and look forward to the next season. Chapa Dimba is a long-term platform, and there will always be another opportunity to showcase talent and pursue football dreams,” Ndegwa said.

Safaricom said last season’s Western Regional champions—Ebwali Boys from Vihiga County and Brenda Girls from Bungoma County—are among teams expected to return this year.

Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the tournament has previously created progression opportunities for players into the All-Star programme.

“We are excited to have Safaricom Chapa Dimba back. Last season, I led Ebwali FC to become regional champions, and I was proud to see players like Austine Odongo, Derrick Oketch and Edwin Onyango progress to the All-Star team that travelled to Spain. This year, I return with a new team, confident they will perform well and attract interest from national league clubs,” Muhambe said.

Under the competition structure outlined by Safaricom, teams will advance from ward-level matches through sub-county, county, regional and national stages. Safaricom said national champions in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 1 million, alongside additional prizes at county and regional levels and individual awards for Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.

Beyond match results, Safaricom said 150 players will be selected from county to national level to receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under its Citizens of the Future programme. The company said the scholarships will cover tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend at public tertiary institutions in Kenya.

Safaricom added that outstanding players will form an All-Stars team that will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, which it described as the world’s largest youth football tournament, offering exposure to international competition and scouting networks.

Looking ahead, attention will shift to participation levels in other regions as the tournament rolls out nationally, and to the pipeline from regional stages to the national finals. Safaricom said Chapa Dimba, launched in 2017, has produced players who progress into local leagues, national teams and international clubs, and the company is positioning Season Five to continue those pathways.

Safaricom increased its share of Kenya’s fixed internet market to 35.5% and grew its subscriber base to 941,501 customers in the three months to March 2026, according to sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The CA’s third-quarter 2025/26 report shows Safaricom added more than 83,000 new fixed broadband customers between December 2025 and March 2026, lifting its market share from 34.9% in the preceding quarter.

The latest figures underline the importance of fixed broadband in Kenya’s telecoms sector as operators compete on network coverage, pricing and bundled services amid rising demand for home and small-business connectivity.

According to the CA, other key fixed internet providers include Jamii Telecommunications Limited (Faiba) with a 20.1% market share, Wananchi Group (Zuku) at 11.1% and Poa Internet Kenya Limited at 10.7%.

The regulator said affordability continues to shape consumption patterns in the market. “Most fixed internet subscriptions in Kenya are on speeds between the 10 and 30 Mbps bands, mainly due to their affordability and reliability for most subscribers,” the Communications Authority noted in its report.

Safaricom has aligned its entry-level fibre offering around a 15 Mbps package, as operators adjust product structures to capture price-sensitive households and increase broadband penetration, according to the statement accompanying the data.

Despite the subscriber gains, the CA’s report points to continued headroom for growth. The statement notes that while Kenya has more than eight million households connected to electricity, only 2.7 million currently have fixed internet subscriptions.

Safaricom reported that in its financial year ending March 2026 it recorded 32% growth in fixed broadband subscribers and a 12% increase in revenue from the segment, highlighting the contribution of home and enterprise internet services to its overall business performance.

The company said it has adjusted its fibre deployment model to expand connectivity beyond traditional higher-income neighbourhoods, citing lower installation costs and technology-led rollout approaches. It also said existing customers have received doubled internet speeds at no additional cost, while solutions such as WiFi Bamba are being used to expand affordable home fibre connectivity in lower-income communities, including the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru, Nairobi.

Safaricom further said it is piloting tokenisation models that would allow customers to purchase short-term, high-speed internet access within fibre-enabled zones, and noted a partnership with Huawei on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) solutions aimed at improving in-home and business connectivity experiences.

Beyond last-mile connectivity, the CA attributed improvements in the broader sector to investments in international capacity. According to the regulator, Kenya’s international internet bandwidth increased by 16.4% to 28,130.3 Gbps during the period under review.

“This growth was driven by increasing demand for higher capacity and faster internet speeds. Notably, SEACOM expanded its capacity by 53.3 per cent to 10,500.0 Gbps. Consequently, total utilized bandwidth capacity grew by 3.0 per cent to 17,758.824 Gbps,” the report noted.

Industry watchers will be tracking whether faster entry-level packages, new purchasing models and expanding international capacity translate into higher fixed broadband take-up, especially outside traditional fibre corridors and among lower-income households. The next CA sector statistics release is expected to provide further clarity on whether the market’s growth momentum continues into subsequent quarters.

Safaricom Plc has grown its share of Kenya’s fixed internet market to 35.5% and increased its subscriber base to 941,501 customers in the three months to March 2026, according to new sector statistics published by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The regulator’s third-quarter 2025/26 report shows Safaricom added more than 83,000 fixed broadband customers between December 2025 and March 2026, lifting its market share from 34.9% in the previous quarter.

The gains come as Kenya’s fixed broadband market continues to evolve, with operators competing on speed upgrades, pricing and network expansion aimed at reaching underserved segments.

CA data shows Jamii Telecommunications Limited (Faiba) held 20.1% of the fixed internet market, followed by Wananchi Group (Zuku) at 11.1% and Poa Internet Kenya Limited at 10.7%.

The regulator attributed much of the demand to mid-tier speed packages. “Most fixed internet subscriptions in Kenya are on speeds between the 10 and 30 Mbps bands, mainly due to their affordability and reliability for most subscribers,” the Communications Authority noted in its report.

Within that bracket, Safaricom has set 15 Mbps as the entry-level speed on its most affordable fibre package, according to the statement accompanying the CA data.

The CA figures also point to room for further growth in household penetration. According to the statement, Kenya has more than eight million households connected to electricity, but only 2.7 million have fixed internet subscriptions.

Safaricom said its fixed broadband segment recorded 32% growth in subscribers in the financial year ended March 2026, alongside a 12% increase in revenue from the segment. The company did not disclose absolute revenue figures in the statement.

In response to shifting demand, Safaricom said it has changed its fibre deployment model to lower installation costs and expand connectivity beyond higher-income neighbourhoods. The company also said existing customers benefited from doubled internet speeds at no additional cost, while new offers such as WiFi Bamba are being used to support lower-cost home fibre connectivity in lower-income areas, including the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru, Nairobi.

Safaricom further said it is piloting tokenisation models that would allow customers to buy short-term, high-speed access within fibre-enabled zones. It also cited a partnership with Huawei on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) solutions aimed at improving in-home and business connectivity experiences.

Beyond last-mile competition, CA data shows international capacity continues to expand, supporting higher usage and faster speeds. According to the Communications Authority, Kenya’s international internet bandwidth increased by 16.4% to 28,130.3 Gbps. “This growth was driven by increasing demand for higher capacity and faster internet speeds. Notably, SEACOM expanded its capacity by 53.3% to 10,500.0 Gbps. Consequently, total utilized bandwidth capacity grew by 3.0% to 17,758.824 Gbps,” the report noted.

For the Kenyan market, continued growth in fixed broadband subscriptions is likely to intensify competition among fibre and fixed wireless providers, particularly in mid-speed packages where affordability is shaping consumer choices, while higher international capacity could help operators sustain service quality as usage rises.

Looking ahead, sector watchers will track whether operators convert the gap between electrified households and fixed internet subscriptions into new connections, and whether new models—such as short-term access products—translate into meaningful growth in adoption across lower-income and peri-urban areas.

Kenya’s mobile money subscriptions rose by about two million in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, pushing total subscriptions to 53.4 million, according to sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) covering January to March 2026.

The CA statistics show mobile money subscriptions increased from 51.4 million in the previous quarter to 53.4 million, representing quarterly growth of 3.9%. The figures point to continued expansion of digital financial services as mobile money remains a major channel for payments and transfers in the economy.

Agent network growth outpaced subscription growth during the quarter. The number of registered mobile money agents increased from 501,399 to 602,470, a rise of 20.2% or about 101,000 new agents, according to the CA.

The Q3 data matters for Kenya’s business landscape because mobile money agents act as the primary cash-in and cash-out infrastructure for households, informal businesses and micro-enterprises. A growing agent footprint typically supports transaction volumes, improves service availability beyond major towns, and can lower operational friction for small merchants that rely on daily liquidity.

The CA data also shows market concentration remains high. “Safaricom remains the market leader in the mobile money market, accounting for 89.1% of mobile money subscriptions,” the report said.

In the same update, the narrative around platform capacity and usage was linked to Safaricom’s recent technology upgrades. “The company’s continued investment in converged digital solutions has been supported by the M-PESA Fintech 2.0 platform upgrade, which has significantly enhanced system capacity,” the report said, adding that the upgrade is intended to support higher transaction volumes and enable additional digital financial products.

According to figures cited in the release, Safaricom’s Kenya ecosystem processed “approximately 46.41 billion transactions valued at KSh 41.68 trillion” in FY26. The report also said transaction volumes continue to be driven by frequent, low-value transfers. “During FY26, Safaricom facilitated approximately 17.1 billion Kadogo transactions, accounting for 36.8% of total M-PESA transaction volumes,” it said.

Beyond transfers and payments, the CA update pointed to growing consumer uptake of mobile-linked investment and insurance products within the M-PESA ecosystem. As of 15 June 2026, the report said Ziidi Trader had recorded “approximately 688,000 opt-ins and over 103,000 active traders,” facilitating “533,000 trades involving 171 million shares and a traded value of approximately KSh 1.9 billion.”

In savings and investment, the report described Ziidi MMF as the most mature product, with “approximately 7.7 million opt-ins,” “2.42 million active investing subscribers,” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 19.8 billion.” For a Shariah-compliant option, it said Ziidi Shariah had “approximately 836,000 opt-ins,” more than “102,000 investing subscribers” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 154 million.”

On insurance, the report said Tuunza had “approximately 759,000 opt-ins,” with “87,000 customers purchasing cover,” covering more than “205,000 lives” through over “7,100 active policies.”

At the lower end of savings products, it reported Ziidi Pochi had “approximately 1.46 million opt-ins,” nearly “196,000 active saving users,” and assets under management of “approximately KSh 318 million.” It also said Ziidi Biashara had recorded “approximately 25,000 opt-ins.”

For Kenya’s financial services and capital markets, the continued expansion of mobile money into savings, investment and insurance points to deeper competition for customer deposits and investment flows, while also widening access for first-time investors and informal earners who typically transact in small amounts.

The next milestones will be reflected in subsequent CA quarterly sector statistics, which are expected to show whether subscription gains sustain and whether agent growth translates into higher activity, as mobile money providers expand product offerings beyond payments.

Kenya’s active mobile subscriptions rose to 84.1 million in the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year (January–March 2026), a 7.4% increase from the previous quarter that pushed mobile penetration to 157.7%, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

The CA’s latest sector statistics show Safaricom PLC expanded its lead in the mobile subscriptions market by adding about 5.5 million subscriptions during the quarter, raising its total subscriber base to 57.9 million from 52.4 million. Safaricom’s market share stood at 68.9%.

Airtel Networks Kenya had 23.2 million subscribers, representing 27.6% of the market, the CA data shows. Equitel (Finserve) recorded 1.51 million subscriptions (1.8%), while Jamii Telecommunications (Faiba) had 883,944 subscriptions (1.1%). Telkom Kenya posted a decline, losing 160,464 subscribers during the quarter to end at 584,438 subscriptions, equivalent to 0.7% market share.

The figures offer a snapshot of the competitive dynamics in Kenya’s telecommunications market, where mobile connectivity underpins consumer spending, e-commerce, digital lending, transport and last-mile payments. Multiple SIM ownership and the use of separate lines for data, business and mobile money continue to contribute to penetration levels above 100%.

The regulator attributed the quarterly increase in subscriptions to operator-led efforts and broader market shifts. “The Communications Authority attributed this robust growth primarily to customer win-back campaigns run by operators during the reference period,” the CA statistics report said. The CA also cited “falling device costs, the expansion of high-speed mobile network infrastructure and the growing necessity of mobile-based economic and social services in Kenya.”

The CA data also points to an accelerating shift toward smartphones. Smartphones accounted for 63.7% of total mobile phones connected to networks during the period, according to the regulator, reflecting the rising importance of app-based services and internet-driven consumption.

In mobile broadband, Kenya had 62.6 million subscriptions as of March 31, 2026, the CA said. Safaricom led the segment with a 62.7% share, down from 64.3% in the prior quarter, indicating competitive pressure in data even as the operator retained a clear lead.

In fixed data, Safaricom held a 35.4% market share, followed by Jamii Telecommunications at 19.5%, Wananchi Group at 10.4% and Poa Internet Kenya at 9.7%, according to the CA. Other providers included Ahadi Wireless (9.2%), Vilcom Network (6.0%) and Mawingu Networks (3.7%). Starlink had a 0.9% share in the period covered by the report.

Mobile money remained concentrated around the market leader. The CA said the mobile money sub-segment grew to 53.4 million active subscriptions, with Safaricom holding an 89.1% share.

Usage metrics continued to show dominance by the two largest operators. Domestic voice traffic shares were Safaricom (64.96%) and Airtel (34.88%), with Telkom (0.07%), Equitel (0.05%) and Jamii (0.04%) accounting for the remainder, according to the CA. For SMS traffic, Safaricom accounted for 93.96% while Airtel held 6.01%, with the other operators near zero.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the latest CA numbers underline sustained demand for connectivity and the growing role of smartphones and broadband in consumption patterns. The report also suggests that while Safaricom remains the dominant player across several indicators, shifts in data-market share and continued subscriber gains by rivals will be closely watched for signals of pricing pressure, network investment cycles and new product bundling.

The next market test will come in subsequent CA quarterly updates, which will show whether the subscriber gains—linked by the regulator to win-back campaigns and device affordability—are sustained and whether competition tightens further in mobile broadband and fixed internet.

Safaricom Plc said Emmanuel Ng’eno and Mbesa Kalondu won the men’s and women’s 21km races at the third edition of the Safaricom CEO Run held on Saturday at Karura Forest in Nairobi, as the telco steps up activity around conservation fundraising ahead of the Lewa Safari Marathon slated for June 27 at Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo County.

In a press release dated June 13, 2026, Safaricom said Ng’eno won the men’s 21km half-marathon in 1:24:47, ahead of Khamza Ahmed (1:40:59) and Antony Mwasaru (1:50:02). In the women’s race, Safaricom said Kalondu finished first in 2:08:11, with Shashu Damaris second (2:08:15) and Zion Versity third (2:09:35).

Safaricom said the Karura event attracted more than 500 participants, including staff, customers, running communities and corporate teams, and was organised in partnership with conservation charity Tusk to support fundraising for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Kenyan corporates have increasingly used sporting events to mobilise brand communities and fundraise for social and environmental programmes, with runs and marathons becoming a recurring platform for corporate partnerships. For Safaricom, the CEO Run sits within a longer-running association with the Lewa Safari Marathon, which channels proceeds into conservation and community development initiatives at Lewa.

Ng’eno, the men’s winner, linked his participation to the event’s conservation purpose. “This is a special win for me, especially as it was my first time participating in the Safaricom CEO Run. While the course was challenging, it was rewarding to be part of an event that brings people together in support of a meaningful cause,” said Emmanuel Ng’eno, according to the press release.

Safaricom’s Group Chief People Officer Florence Nyokabi said participation remained strong in the third year at Karura Forest. “Today’s event was a great success, with more than 500 participants taking part. This is our third year hosting the race at Karura Forest, and I would like to thank all our staff, partners and friends who turned out in large numbers to support this noble cause,” said Florence Nyokabi, Group Chief People Officer at Safaricom Plc.

Safaricom said the event had four categories: 21km, 15km, 10km and a 5km fun walk. It reported that Adam Ahmed and Violet Okoti won the 15km race in 1:08:29 and 1:34:36 respectively, while Joshua Mucha and Hudlyn Hagoi won the 10km in 40:27 and 1:02:51. Joe Mwaniki and Mikhala Barasa won the men’s and women’s 5km races, Safaricom said.

Lewa Conservancy’s Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer John Kinoti said the Karura race supports momentum for the main marathon. “This event plays an important role in building momentum for the Lewa Safari Marathon while highlighting the impact of conservation efforts,” said John Kinoti, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer at Lewa Conservancy, adding that preparations were nearly complete and the conservancy was looking forward to welcoming over 1,400 participants on June 27.

Beyond the immediate sporting calendar, the CEO Run provides a snapshot of how Kenya’s largest listed telecom continues to connect staff engagement and partner participation to its environmental and community agenda, while also maintaining visibility around flagship CSR-linked events that attract corporate teams from institutions such as KCB, Huawei and Amref, as cited by Safaricom.

Safaricom said it has supported the Lewa Safari Marathon since inception and earlier in 2026 announced a KES 10 million contribution (KES 10 million) towards the 26th edition. It also said the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon is expected to host 1,500 participants across the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race and 5km children’s race.

Safaricom will hold the third edition of the Safaricom CEO Run on Saturday, 13 June, at Karura Forest in Nairobi, with more than 400 participants expected, the company said in a media statement dated 11 June 2026.

Safaricom said the event is organised in partnership with Tusk and serves as a build-up to the Lewa Safari Marathon, which is scheduled for 27 June. According to the statement, the run is designed to support fundraising for conservation and community development initiatives at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

The company said participants will compete in four categories: a 21km half-marathon, 15km and 10km races, and a 5km walk.

In the statement, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa linked the company’s involvement in the run to its broader support for the Lewa Safari Marathon. “Through our long-standing support of the Lewa Safari Marathon, we have witnessed firsthand how sport can transform lives by unlocking access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods for communities around Lewa,” Ndegwa said. He added that the Karura event brings together “partners, corporates, friends, and young people to participate, raise funds, and strengthen conservation efforts.”

Safaricom also highlighted its employee fundraising team, Lions of Lewa, which it said participates in the Lewa Safari Marathon and supports wildlife conservation and community development. The company said the group has, since 2019, ranked among the top fundraisers and raises more than KES 1.2 million annually.

Earlier in 2026, Safaricom announced a contribution of KES 10 million towards the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon, according to the statement.

The company said the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants across multiple categories, including a 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race and a 5km children’s race. However, the statement also noted that registration for the Lewa Safari Marathon is now closed.

For Kenya’s business landscape, Safaricom’s continued support for conservation-linked events reflects the growing use of corporate-backed sports and community initiatives as fundraising platforms, particularly for wildlife protection and community programmes that depend on private and philanthropic funding. The statement positions the CEO Run as an on-the-ground activation that complements sponsorship funding, including the KES 10 million contribution announced earlier in the year.

Safaricom cited long-term impact figures for the Lewa Safari Marathon, stating that since inception it has raised over KES 850 million to support conservation and community development across Kenya. More than KES 400 million of that, the company said, has gone towards protecting endangered species, wildlife habitats and surrounding ecosystems.

Looking ahead, the Karura Forest event will precede the main Lewa Safari Marathon on 27 June. Safaricom and partners are expected to use the CEO Run to rally corporate participation and fundraising momentum ahead of the Lewa event, which the company says draws a field of more than 1,500 participants.

Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust’s 2026 Rhino Charge event raised KES 365 million in Samburu County, the highest amount the organisation says it has collected through the annual off-road fundraiser, after the challenge was held on Saturday at Ngilai Community Conservancy.

According to the event statement, Safaricom-backed participant Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44, AK44) retained the top fundraiser position for the fourth consecutive year after raising KES 216 million—an amount Rhino Ark described as the highest ever raised by a single team at the event.

The fundraiser, now in its 37th edition, is a key private-sector and community-supported financing channel for conservation projects linked to Kenya’s mountain ecosystems—often referred to as “water towers”—which are important catchment areas underpinning water supply for households, agriculture, and industry.

Rhino Ark said the 2026 proceeds will support the trust’s activities, including “the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems.” It also said it handed over a KES 9.1 million cheque to support Ngilai community projects.

In a statement issued after the event, Khawaja attributed the result to broader support beyond his team. “Retaining the top fundraiser title for the fourth consecutive year is an honour, not just for me but for the entire team. I am grateful to everyone who supported this cause. This achievement reflects the collective effort of many who believe in environmental conservation and in making a lasting impact,” said Adil Khawaja, Team Lead, Car No. 44 (AK44).

Rhino Ark reported that Khawaja raised KES 139.8 million last year, compared with KES 175 million in 2024 and KES 60 million in 2023. In 2026, Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Peter Kinyua (Car No. 23) raised KES 10.8 million and KES 8.5 million respectively, ranking second and third. Martin Kinyanjui of Magnate Chargers (Car No. 62) was fourth with KES 7.7 million, while Robin Tilbury (Car No. 35) placed fifth after raising KES 7 million, Rhino Ark said.

Beyond fundraising, the event includes a competitive off-road element. Rhino Ark said the 2026 challenge featured 65 cars. Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Oliver Outram, won the overall title after covering all 13 checkpoints over a 27 km course under the super modified category, retaining the title for the second year in a row.

The Hatarious Chargers (Car No. 3), led by Gurmeet Mehta, placed second after covering 30.4 km, while Patrick Garner of Braeburn Seven Squared (Car No. 49) finished third after covering 31.1 km, according to the statement. Mark Glen (Car No. 48) and Adil Khawaja (Car No. 44) finished fourth and fifth after covering 31.9 km and 32.2 km respectively. Rhino Ark added that Khawaja clinched the Victor Ludorum award.

Corporate sponsorship remained a significant contributor. Rhino Ark said the 2026 Rhino Charge received KES 114 million in sponsorship support from M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC. Of this, the M-PESA Foundation committed KES 94 million towards conservation activities including “fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block)” and restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties.

Safaricom’s sponsorship supported three cars—Car No. 44, Car No. 29 (The EV Explorers), and Car No. 50 (Team Zambarau, Heels on Wheels)—as well as network connectivity during the event, according to the statement.

The results reinforce the growing role of corporate-linked philanthropy and community conservancy partnerships in financing environmental protection in Kenya, particularly where ecosystem degradation can raise costs for water-dependent sectors and amplify climate-related risks.

Rhino Ark did not provide dates for the next edition in the statement, but said the 2026 event marked the 37th running of Rhino Charge, signalling continuity of the annual conservation fundraising model.