Safaricom, Huawei pump Sh30 million towards Lewa Marathon

The Lewa Marathon has received a major boost ahead of this year’s race with Telecommunication giant Huawei set to join forces with perennial lead sponsor Safaricom to power the world renowned sporting showpiece.

As lead co-sponsors, Safaricom and Huawei are set to support the marathon in its innovation, evolution and growth to a tune of Sh15 million each.

The new partnership will see the event renamed from The Lewa Marathon to The Lewa Safari Marathon primed for June 27 with registration set to kick off on  March 5.

Speaking at the marathon launch held at a city hotel, Stanley Shenlei, Huawei Key Accounts Director drew inspiration from the successes of previous outings in boosting wildlife conservation measures as having played a major role in enabling them have a stake in this year’s showpiece.

“Lewa Conservancy has for a very long time been a home to many rare wildlife and this marathon has acted as a catalyst in ensuring it never dies. Over the last 12 years, we have donated amounts surpassing Sh100 million and we know that every shilling is making a difference.

“This time round we are delighted to be lead co-sponsors as we endeavour to support this ongoing success. I also want to assure you that many of the Huawei staff are already preparing for this year’s event,”he added.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson heaped praises on Safaricom in their role in enabling the marathon gain worldwide recognition at the same time appreciating Huawei for taking the cue.

“What Safaricom has done for us in the past 20 years is incomparable and we wouldn’t be talking about it in such global proportions today without their unyielding support,

“We are also very pleased to welcome Huawei who have been long-standing partners of the event in board as co-lead sponsors as we look into a better future.”

On his part, acting Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph threw the gauntlet to local cooperates to come in and offer more support towards the event noting it’s the only way to ensure the Kenyan wildlife heritage never dies.

“I think that its time Kenyans realize what wildlife is all about. If we don’t protect what we have, then in 20 years time or more we may have nothing to show our grandchildren. This is something we should take note of and as Kenyan cooperates, we should participate to enable us acquire more finances locally.