KWAL Links Marathon Sponsorship to Youth Empowerment and Healthy Living

By Njeri Irungu

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has renewed its support for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, committing Sh10 million to the 2026 event as it seeks to promote healthy living and expand opportunities for young people.

The company’s sponsorship, channelled through its non-alcoholic brand Heineken 0.0, supports the 21-kilometre race, which attracted 10,500 participants during the marathon held on Sunday.

KWAL Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo said the company’s involvement was driven by the need to encourage physical activity while contributing to initiatives that improve community wellbeing.

“As a brand, we are committed to supporting individuals in their wellness journey and lifestyle goals, including participating in events like the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon,” she said.

The latest contribution brings KWAL’s total sponsorship to Sh25 million since 2024, when it first invested Sh5 million in the event. The company contributed a further Sh10 million in 2025 and maintained the same amount this year.

The 2026 marathon attracted 30,700 runners from 102 nationalities, including 200 elite athletes, demonstrating its continued appeal as a major sporting event in the region.

Mwalimo said the increasing participation in the half-marathon category reflected the growing popularity of running among Kenyans and the importance of creating opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals.

“The growth of the 21km category, now the biggest race in the marathon, speaks volumes about the growth of a vibrant running culture in Kenya,” she said.

Nahason Kipsang won the men’s 21km race, with Wycliffe Kirwa finishing second and Kevin Kemoi taking third place. In the women’s race, Orba Chemurgor emerged victorious ahead of Esther Porura and Mercy Kimaiyo.

The top three finishers in each category received Sh300,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000, respectively. The awards were presented by KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka and Mwalimo.

Beyond the competition, KWAL said the marathon offered an opportunity to advance initiatives addressing youth unemployment and economic exclusion through partnerships with organisations supporting skills development.

Mwalimo said the company’s participation also aligned with Futuremakers, a Standard Chartered initiative designed to help disadvantaged young people gain skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

She noted that sporting events could contribute to community development by bringing people together while creating opportunities for businesses and individuals involved in organising and supporting the races.

KWAL Corporate Affairs Director Kui Kinyanjui said the marathon’s inclusive approach was consistent with Heineken 0.0’s efforts to create social experiences that accommodate people with different lifestyle choices.

She said running provides an opportunity for friends, families and colleagues to spend time together, exercise and socialise, including in settings where alcohol is not the focus.

The partnership also forms part of Heineken 0.0’s global “0.0 Reasons Needed” campaign, which encourages acceptance of non-alcoholic options. Ahead of the race, the brand invited runners and supporters to share online the reasons that motivated them to participate.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has developed into a platform that combines athletics with wider community initiatives, including promoting physical wellness, social inclusion and economic empowerment.