The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have launched the “Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series,” meant to position the country as a tourist destination.
This is a new six-event initiative that is set to culminate with the Barngetuny Mountain Run in Nandi County on Saturday, 18 January.
Speaking during the flagging off of the Trail Series at the top of Nyahururu’s Thompson Falls gorge in Nyahururu town, Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the series is designed to showcase the country’s stunning landscapes through a series of mountain and trail running events and position the countryside as a tourist destination.
The duo, who were also flanked by Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly, said the event also aims to position Kenya as a global hub for sports tourism. The first event will take place on January 18, 2025, in Nandi County, marking the beginning of this thrilling series.
They noted that this is part of Kenya’s broader tourism strategy, which focuses on offering a diverse range of experiences to attract global visitors and that the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series would become a flagship event, drawing attention from international and local travellers, runners, and adventure enthusiasts.
The captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainability will see enthusiasts traverse and enjoy the adventures through Laikipia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties, where the tour will culminate with a series of events on Saturday.
Ms. Miano highlighted the potential of these mountain running events as both training grounds for Kenyan athletes and platforms for showcasing the country’s prowess in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
It also offers various investment opportunities in the tourism sector and, more especially, opportunities to tap into the lucrative sports tourism market. This new venture will not only attract international sports enthusiasts but also provide a new avenue for domestic tourism.
Kenya’s unparalleled landscapes, ranging from towering mountains to scenic trails, offer the ideal setting for adventure tourism.
By Antony Mwangi
