Standard Chartered Marathon raise Sh273million from 56 sponsors
Sh273 million raised to support women, youth and persons with disabilities
By James Murimi
The Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon has attracted a record 56 sponsors, raising approximately Sh273 million to support social and economic empowerment programmes targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The sponsorship represents a 17 per cent increase from 2025, highlighting the growing commercial appeal of the annual road race and its expanding role as a platform for both sporting participation and social impact.
Standard Chartered Bank Head of Corporate Affairs Joyce Kibe said the increased corporate support would enable the Foundation to expand programmes designed to create opportunities and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups across the country.
“The marathon has attracted 56 sponsors this year, a 17 per cent increase from 2025, raising about Sh273 million that will be channelled to the Standard Chartered Foundation towards supporting women, youth and persons with disabilities,” Kibe said.
She urged more runners to register for the race, saying participation would contribute directly to initiatives aimed at transforming lives while allowing participants to take part in one of Kenya’s major annual sporting events.
Kibe said the marathon had evolved beyond competition, with runners, sponsors and partners contributing to programmes with wider community and economic benefits.
The record sponsorship comes as companies increasingly view major sporting events as opportunities to combine brand visibility with corporate social investment, providing additional support for initiatives targeting communities in need.
David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said organisers were focused on delivering a professionally managed event while maintaining the high standards associated with the race.
“When it comes to Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon, I think it’s about the quality of products that we come up with in terms of how we ensure that the race is well-planned,” Mwindi said.
The event has also attracted a wide range of corporate partners, including Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), whose Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo was among business representatives supporting the marathon.
Organisers are now encouraging more athletes and recreational runners to register, with increased participation expected to further strengthen the event’s fundraising capacity and community impact.
