The 3rd Sagalla Hills Marathon, a Jamhuri Day Celebration

The third Sagala Hills Marathon for Education, Healthcare and Tourism was run on Jamhuri Day as Kenyans celebrated 61 years since Kenya became a republic on 12 December 1963. Kenya became a Republic six months after gaining internal self-rule on 1 June 1963 that is celebrated as Madaraka Day. The 42km Sagalla Hills Marathon (SHM) winners were Jacob Nalianya, men’s race; and, Dorcas Nzemba, women's race.

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Jacob the winner of the Mens 42 km runs to the finish line

There were three races during the day. The 42 km marathon men and women; the 5 km race for men and women and the persons with Disability (PWDs) 5 km race.

Joshua Mandeghu the Chairman and Organizing Secretary thanked the Runners, the Sponsors, the Marathon Organizing Committee, the Kenya Red Cross; the Kenya wildlife service; the Kenya police, TAT bank and local leaders. He asked more Voi businesses to be part of the Marathon next year and contribute to the growth of the marathon that will in return grow the Voi region.

Dorcas Nzemba (Front) & Ruth Mbatha at about the 15 km mark of the Sagalla Hills Marathon.

The 3^rd marathon attracted participants from London and the Netherlands and started to achieve the goal of tourism. Tom Valentine of London, UK was one of the runners who ran around the Sagalla Hills. Rueben De Ok of the Netherlands was unable to run after an injury but was at the marathon to give his support.

Tom Valentine of UK at the Kirumbi road about the 30 km mark of the Sagalla Hills Marathon.

Raphael Ngao speaking at the close of the Marathon said that Ndara B Community will next year put in more time and resources to make the Marathon a success. He asked the Teri B Chairman to also have Teri B Community be part of advancing the marathon.

Rosiana Wali of Ndara B Community was the oldest participant of the 42 Km race. She ran & completed the Marathon.

Ndara B Community is one of the three Sagalla Communities living in the North, East, West and South of the Sagalla Hills. Ndara B Community in 2024 is estimated to have a population of 10,000 persons. The Community lives in about 15 km of the 42 km in the North and East of the Hills. Teri B Community lives on the top of Sagalla hills and in the west and is about 15 km. The 3^rd community is the Kishamba B Community who live in the South and East of the hills and cover about 15 km of the Marathon route.

At Sagalla Hills Marathon Event. From Left, Eva Iringo (DUT Clothing & Tailoring); Faith Mwachala (DUT Properties & MSMEs) Ronald Mwangombe (DUT Building Materials) & Lucy Malemba (DUT-Ndara B Water)

Diaspora University Trust and Diaspora Kenyans were the main sponsors of the Marathon. The marathon is for advancing education, healthcare and tourism. Dan Kamau the Diaspora University Executive Trustee and Diaspora University Town Project Director once again thanked Ndara B Community for starting the marathon. He said the marathon continues to progress education and healthcare.

Dan thanked the runners for the role they are playing in establishing a marathon that will become one of the top marathons. Talking to the winners he said their names shall forever be associated with the marathon and they today have advanced the marathon. Some of the runners said they will run every year even when they are over 70 years old.

Reuben of The Netherlands (Left) & Dan Kamau, DUT Director at the Sagalla Hils Marathon Event.

Dan pointing at the Co-operative Bank said that the marathon had brought a financial institution to the community. He welcomed the Co-operative Bank team to talk about their bank and financial products and services. He said the bank has an opportunity to join the Community as the community advances their economic, social, environment and children rights in Kenya constitution 42, 43 and 53. The bankers led by Lawrence Mboya were happy to be part of the marathon and promised to work with the community.

Ndara B Community members, the Organizers and DUT during the marathon were also working on what is shaping to be, "The 2030 Sagalla Hills Marathon plan." Discussions were done on how the approximate 48 km road route of the marathon can be tarmacked or paved.

Ronald Mwangombe addresses the Sagalla Hills Marathon Runners.before Start of Marathon.

The estimate is that the road paving plan would be about a Ksh 2 billion. Looking at the sign opposite the starting point Dan of DUT noted that the road receives finance from the 10% fuel levy charged in fuel usage. He said this would be the starting point of the road financing plan that can be achieved through a Private Public Partnership (PPP).

The 2030 Sagalla Hills Marathon plan would be a plan to have over 10,000 persons participating in the about 50% coming from the 47 Counties of Kenya and over 50 countries in the World. The second goal is to achieve over 30,000 tourists accompanying the runners.

The plans of Diaspora University, Diaspora University Medical Hospital and Diaspora University Town will all support the Marathon plan. The Diaspora University plan will contribute to the growth of Marathon runners. The DU Medical Hospital plan will contribute toward all the medical needs during a marathon. The Diaspora University Town plan will offer residence and other amenities to those coming for the event.