Over 20 corporate entities and organizations pledged more than Shs 100 million in support of the 2019 Beyond Zero Half Marathon (BZHM) during an event at State House, Nairobi, on International Women’s Day.
The First Lady’s office received a Shs 50 million insurance package for the 25,000 participants, provided by Jubilee Insurance. The company also contributed Shs 3 million through its Regional Chief Executive Officer Julius Kipngetich. Additional support included medical coverage from 10 Nairobi hospitals during the event.
Safaricom, the marathon’s communications sponsor, committed a state-of-the-art media center and communication infrastructure. Other major donors included Abbott with Shs 13 million, Kenya Pipeline Company and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation each contributing Shs 12 million, and Diamond Trust Bank with Shs 10 million.
Women in Business donated Shs 1.2 million, while the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association contributed Shs 300,000. Corporate leaders affirmed their commitment to mobilizing employees for the event, citing the First Lady’s vision for national healthcare improvements.
The marathon, set for Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium, features categories including a 21km half marathon, 10km road race, 5km family race, and a special 2km "pregna" walk for expectant mothers. Earlier, the First Lady met with Philips representatives to discuss potential collaboration on the proposed Beyond Zero Referral Hospital.
