L-R: KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka and Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo presents the winners of the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 21km race men category sponsored by the company with their trophy and cash prizes in Nairobi yesterday. From left the winners are Wycliffe Kirwa (position 2), Nahason Kipsang (1st Position), Kevin Kemoi (position 3). The got cash prize of Ksh 100,000, 150,000 and 300,000.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 25, 2026 — Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has committed KSh10 million to the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, reinforcing its support for sports, healthy lifestyles and community development.
The beverage company, through its non-alcoholic brand Heineken® 0.0, serves as the official partner of the marathon’s 21-kilometre race. Its latest contribution brings its total sponsorship to KSh20 million since 2024, following a KSh5 million contribution in 2024 and KSh10 million in 2025.
The partnership comes as the half-marathon continues to attract growing interest, drawing 10,500 participants during the 23rd edition of the event on Sunday. The wider marathon attracted 30,700 runners from 102 nationalities, including 200 elite athletes, according to KWAL.
KWAL Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo said the company’s involvement reflects its commitment to promoting wellness and encouraging people to embrace active lifestyles.
“As a brand, we are committed to supporting individuals in their wellness journey and lifestyle goals, including participating in events like the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon,” she said.
Mwalimo noted that the growing popularity of the 21-kilometre race reflects the development of a strong running culture in Kenya.
Nahason Kipsang won the men’s half-marathon title, followed by Wycliffe Kirwa and Kevin Kemoi. In the women’s race, Orba Chemurgor took the title ahead of Esther Porura and Mercy Kimaiyo.
KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka and Mwalimo presented trophies and cash prizes to the leading finishers. The top three runners in each category received KSh300,000, KSh150,000 and KSh100,000, respectively.
Beyond the competition, KWAL said the partnership aligns with efforts to use sport to support wider community development. Since its launch in 2003, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has grown into a major sporting event that also provides a platform for initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities.
Mwalimo said the marathon gives KWAL and Heineken® 0.0 an opportunity to support community wellbeing through Futuremakers, an economic inclusion initiative backed by Standard Chartered.
The programme helps disadvantaged young people develop skills, access employment and start businesses, with the broader goal of expanding their economic opportunities.
KWAL Corporate Affairs Director Kui Kinyanjui said the marathon’s inclusive nature also aligns with Heineken® 0.0’s approach to socialising, which promotes shared experiences regardless of whether people choose to consume alcohol.
“By promoting inclusion, the marathon resonates with Heineken® 0.0’s responsible marketing approach based on creating inclusive social experiences where people feel free to socialise whether taking alcohol or not,” Kinyanjui said.
The sponsorship also supports Heineken® 0.0’s global campaign, “0.0 Reasons Needed”, which promotes acceptance of zero-alcohol choices. Ahead of the marathon, the brand ran an online campaign inviting runners and supporters to share their reasons for taking part.
Kinyanjui said running events and clubs increasingly offer opportunities for friends, colleagues and families to connect, while allowing participants to choose how they socialise.
Through its continued partnership with the marathon, KWAL aims to strengthen the link between sport, personal wellbeing and economic inclusion, while supporting an event that brings together runners from different backgrounds.
