NANDI COUNTY TO HOST NYUKI MARATHON KENYA 2027, CHAMPIONING POLLINATOR PROTECTION AND APICULTURE
The County Government of Nandi will host the Nyuki Marathon Kenya 2027, a landmark event designed to elevate pollinator protection, sustainable livelihoods, and apiculture as a key rural enterprise.
Scheduled to take place in Nandi’s rich forest highlands, the marathon is more than a race – it is a global platform to champion environmental justice and sustainability through sports. The event will also serve as a prelude to the global Apimondia Conference, positioning Nandi on the world stage while catalysing investment in beekeeping, value addition, and conservation.
The announcement aligns with Nandi County’s 2026/2027 Annual Development Plan (ADP), which prioritises sustainable apiculture as a driver of grassroots development. The marathon, themed “One Bee, Million Futures,” will spotlight pollinator protection and rural income generation.
In preparation, the county is advancing the registration of the Nandi Beekeepers Cooperative Society, which will unite farmer groups, self-help groups, Community Forest Associations, and individual farmers committed to adding value to honey production.
“Our goal is clear: to establish Nandi as a leading global supplier of honey and bee products from the natural Tropical Green Forest Highlands,” said Dr Kiplimo Lagat, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Cooperative Development.
Nandi County’s apiculture strategy focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers through cooperative formations, expanding honey aggregation and processing capacity, providing modern beehives and training on bee management and harvesting, promoting bee-friendly farming practices to safeguard pollinator populations
“We are thrilled to be designated future host of the 2027 Nyuki Marathon,” Dr Kiplimo Lagat added. “This event is not just a race; it is a global movement that aligns with Nandi County’s efforts to protect our environment and support our local bee farmers.”
He emphasized that traceability is a priority in developing the apiculture industry. A Bill to this effect is currently in advanced stages at the County Assembly.
For the second consecutive year, Highlands Honey bee farmers are organising the Nandi County World Bee Day on 20 May 2026. Ms Charlene Ruto (bee farmer and industry ambassador) has been invited to grace the occasion, underscoring the county’s growing reputation as a centre for bee farming innovation.
With its extensive forest coverage and rich biodiversity of forests and wetlands, Nandi County is exploring the creation of Nyuki Forest Reserves to protect pollinator habitats. These initiatives reinforce the county’s commitment to biodiversity, climate-smart enterprises, and rural income generation.
By hosting the Nyuki Marathon 2027 as a prelude to the Apimondia 2027 Congress, Nandi County is not only elevating its apiculture sector but also showcasing itself as a vibrant, green-conscious region on the global stage.