Sports latest tool in bid to unearth Kenya’s hidden destinations

Cyclists pushed through a 63km route from Lubao to Shinyalu, while hikers conquered 27km on foot, testing endurance amid breathtaking scenery.

Organised by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the event fuses fitness with exploration, turning Western Kenya into a rising hub for adventure tourism.

“The magical Kenya Magharibi Edition is showcasing the western circuit of Kenya. We have nine amazing circuits and this time around adventure is taking us to the western part of the country.

“We kick it off here at Kakamega Forts and we shall go all the way to Homabay County to Rusinga Island where we will be able to experience the amazing Lake Victoria and so on”

Tom Osidia is one of the bikers from Ingo Cycling Club who hailed Kenya Tourism Board for the good initiative saying it will market Western and Nyanza region as a tourism hub.

“I’m very happy for the experience and as you can see I'm an aged person but the trail has kept me fit. I’m urging everyone to come on board to participate because not only are you exploring beautiful Kenya but also your impact on your health positively.”

Osidia sentiments were echoed by his fellow biker Christopher Mwangi

“In Kakamega we have so many tourist attractions like the Crying stone, the forest and so many and it’s a good initiative from the Kenya Tourism Board to bring this trail. I’m sure by the end Kakamega will have marketed itself as a tourism hub.”

With every climb, sprint, and stride, the trail is proving that sports can drive tourism, while spotlighting hidden gems across Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Kisii, and Homa Bay.

In the western circuit, the trail will land in Homabay on Friday.

The event is the second in a series of six editions planned throughout 2025, following the successful Heritage Trails and Tinderet-Barngetuny Mountain Run held in January.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between KTB, Athletics Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service, with support from various stakeholders.

Speaking on the significance of the trail series in the Western Region, Josephat Erupe, Senior Assistant Director, Western Conservation Area at KWS, said: “This trail series is a strategic promotion that will open up the Western Circuit, one of Kenya’s most overlooked tourism regions.

“By showcasing attractions that range from wildlife to adrenaline-pumping adventure activities we aim to attract more visitors to this region.”

“Adventure as a tourism offering is quickly gaining traction in this region, especially among the youth who are looking for fun, health-conscious experiences,” said Erupe.

He added: “Kakamega Forest, with its pleasant climate and evergreen environment, is an all-year-round destination ideal for adventure. I urge Kenyans to explore Western Kenya and experience the untamed beauty, cultural richness, and ecological diversity it has to offer.”

Upcoming editions will feature the Aberdares Trails in June, Mt. Kenya Trails in August/September, Central Rift Trails in November, and Mt. Elgon Mountain Run in December 2025.