By Dorothy Musyoka
SBC Kenya – Pepsi Cola has committed to partner as a Gold Sponsor of the inaugural Maragoli Hills Marathon, strengthening efforts to restore and re-afforest the Maragoli Hills Forest in Vihiga County, a critical water catchment ecosystem that has suffered extensive human encroachment and degradation.
The commitment was confirmed during a focused engagement with Mr. Melvin Mpambara, Group Company Secretary, SBC Kenya – Pepsi Cola, held at the Railways Offices in Nairobi.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in mobilizing private sector support for environmental conservation through sport.
“He shared the company’s commitment to partner with the organizing committee of the inaugural Maragoli Hills Marathon as a Gold sponsor, a powerful step toward supporting the restoration and re-afforestation of the Maragoli Hills Forest in Vihiga County, an ecosystem that has suffered significant human encroachment and depletion,” stated Mudavadi.
Through its Gold sponsorship, Pepsi Cola will support the event through cash prizes, branding, publicity, and logistical assistance, contributing to the successful delivery of the marathon and the long-term rehabilitation of the Maragoli Hills Forest.
The initiative directly aligns with H.E. President William Ruto’s vision to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, increase national forest cover to 30 percent, reduce emissions, and restore degraded lands through a coordinated, multi-stakeholder national effort.
As Patron of the Restoration Programme, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi welcomed Pepsi Cola’s commitment, emphasizing the critical role of private sector partnerships in advancing climate action and achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.
“As patron of the restoration programme, I warmly welcome Pepsi Cola’s support through cash prizes, branding, publicity, and logistical support as we work with the local community to deliver a successful marathon and rehabilitate this vital water catchment ecosystem,” he stated.
The Maragoli Hills Marathon is a flagship community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness and resources for forest restoration while promoting environmental stewardship.
Also present at the engagement were Mr. Victor Enzoveri, Chair of the Marathon Organizing Committee and Ms. Christine Ilahalwe, Chair of the Resource Mobilization Committee.