In an effort to spur interest and development of athletics in Kenya, particularly amongst disadvantaged youth, the Kenyan Runner Foundation was established.
The foundation is a brainchild of Gathogo Kimani, a former athlete and CEO of the Kenyan Runner Magazine, Mwenda Kinyua, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Ms Halima Yussuf, a visionary women’s leader in Kenya.
The Foundation was registered by the Non-Governmental Organisations Board and issued with a certificate of registration by Ambassador Peter Ole Nkuraiyia, the Executive Director on December 9, 2010 and its main objective being the promotion of education amongst young and talented athletes especially those susceptible to drug abuse, crime, economic hardship, discrimination or marginalisation.
The education envisaged by the Foundation’s main aim is in the general sense, that is, any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual, and encompasses life skills.
Additionally, financial management, time management, coaching clinics, incentive programmes, equipment donation and sensitisation programmes on the negative effects of misadventure that could lead to HIV/Aids infection, early pregnancy and drug addiction among others are also at the core of the Foundation’s mantra.
The Kenyan Runner Magazine is an integral part of the foundation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility from the advertising revenues, and encourages advertisers by channelling part of their commitments to a worthy cause.
Inspired by great athletes who have committed to the betterment of the Kenyan society by founding successful initiatives, such as the legendary Kipchoge Keino (Kip Keino Foundation), Tegla Loroupe (Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation), Douglas Wakiihuri (Kibera Seven Kids Nursery School/Kibera Running Club), among others, the Kenyan Runner Foundation aspires to bring together athletics enthusiasts and corporate entities to use athletics as a tool of inspiration and education among the young in Kenya.