This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
July 19, 2020, marked a significant milestone for Isaac Macharia, a retired Kenyan marathoner who has been making waves in the philanthropic scene. Despite his impressive athletic career, Macharia's name may not ring a bell to many Kenyans, but his generosity and dedication to giving back to the community are truly inspiring.
With a career spanning multiple marathons, including the Nagano Marathon in Japan, Yellow River Marathon in China, and Dubai Marathon in the UAE, Macharia's achievements on the track are a testament to his hard work and determination. However, it's his philanthropic efforts that have left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
At the heart of Macharia's philanthropy is his school, Kenswed, which provides free education to 300 underprivileged students. The school is located on a land that Macharia purchased with his first prize money, and it's a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community. In addition to the school, Macharia has also established a hospital in Ngong, which is a significant investment in the healthcare sector.
According to Macharia, the benefits of his philanthropic efforts far outweigh any financial rewards. 'The benefit though is a million times more, looking back at the many people that have benefited through these projects. The trickling effect runs very deep,' he revealed in a past interview.
Macharia's personal story is one of overcoming adversity. Growing up in poverty in the outskirts of Nyahururu, he found solace in athletics, which became a means of escaping the harsh realities of his childhood. Today, he is a father of two and married to former World Cross Country junior champion Veronica Nyaruai.
As an entrepreneur, Macharia has interests in clean energy and technology, with a solar power company, Miale Solar, and a software company, Smart People Africa, which provides software solutions. However, his main focus remains on his philanthropic efforts, which have brought him a sense of fulfillment that no amount of money can match.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Macharia's school extended its e-Learning platform to underprivileged students in marginalized communities, providing them with access to quality education. This is just one example of how Macharia's philanthropy has made a significant impact on the lives of many.
As we celebrate Macharia's philanthropic legacy, we are reminded of the power of giving back to the community. His story is a testament to the fact that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
