Magical Kenya Mountain Run Ends in Meru with Tourism, Education Gains

Meru, Kenya — 2025-09-08 16:30 EAT. The final leg of the Magical Kenya Mountain Trail series concluded Sunday at Meru University of Science and Technology, with participants celebrating achievements in sports, tourism, and education.

The Latest

The four-day adventure spanned Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Meru counties, culminating in a 14km race through Mariba’s tea plantations. Hundreds of runners and hikers took part, with Michael Selelo and Gladys Sangol winning the men’s and women’s races respectively.

Organizers said proceeds will support underprivileged students at Meru University and fund tree-planting projects along the route.

Status: Confirmed, as of 2025-09-08 16:30 EAT.

Context in Brief

Launched under the government’s sports tourism campaign, the Magical Kenya Mountain Trail promotes adventure tourism beyond safaris. Routes like Kiambicho Hills, Mwea Rice Fields, and Lake Ellis have been showcased in past events, attracting visitors while raising funds for education and conservation initiatives.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: Tourism Act 2011; Sports Act 2013

• Mandates: Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) oversees tourism promotion; Meru County Government handles local event logistics.

• Required steps: Funds raised must undergo county audits before allocation to scholarships per Public Finance Management Act.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Government: “We are excited to support education and showcase Meru to the world,” said Linda Gakii, Meru Deputy Governor, at the event (2025-09-08).

• National Tourism Board: “Sports tourism diversifies Kenya’s attractions while empowering youth,” said Allan Njoroge, Acting CEO, Kenya Tourism Board (2025-09-08).

• Community: Local leaders urged further investment in scenic hills and forests to boost eco-tourism revenues.

Evidence & Data

• Numbers: 14km race; 3 counties covered; 100+ trees planted; hundreds of participants.

• Documents: KTB press release (2025-09-08); Meru County event permit.

• Verification: On-record quotes; event attendance confirmed by county officials and KTB.

Risks and Implications

• Security: Large events require crowd control; no incidents reported.

• Governance/Economy: Scholarship fund impact depends on transparent disbursement.

• Regional Tourism: Success could expand sports tourism into Mt. Elgon, Aberdares.

What We Don’t Know

• Final fundraising totals for scholarships.

• Future dates for next Mountain Trail series.

• Private sector sponsorship commitments.

Timeline

• 2025-09-05: Event launched in Murang’a County.

• 2025-09-06: Kirinyaga leg completed.

• 2025-09-07: Final run at Meru University, 14km race winners announced.

What to Watch

• County audit of funds (deadline: 2025-10-15).

• KTB announcement on next sports tourism calendar.

• Scholarship disbursement to Meru University students.

Related Coverage

• [Kenya Tourism Board Annual Report 2025]

• [Sports Act 2013: What It Means for County Events]

• [Eco-Tourism in Kenya: Beyond the Big Five]

Editor’s note: None.

Corrections: None as of 2025-09-08 16:30 EAT.