Egerton University has officially launched the 11th edition of the Mau–Egerton Cross Country, scheduled for February 21, 2026, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to environmental conservation and sports development.
Representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Prof. George Ogendi welcomed partners, students, and staff to the launch ceremony, noting that the Vice-Chancellor was engaged in another official assignment. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders who have consistently supported the annual event.
“On behalf of the University Management, we thank each of you who have made it to this annual event,” Prof. Ogendi said, inviting partners to continue presenting their donations and technical support toward the success of the cross-country initiative.
Director of Income Generating Units (IGU), Prof. Kipkemboi, also welcomed stakeholders and partners, including the Egerton University Alumni Association led by Chairman Dr. Richard Rop.
He commended business partners for supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives that help maintain a learning-friendly ecosystem within the university and the surrounding communities.
Director of Marketing and Resources Mobilization, Prof. Nzula Kitaka, highlighted the growing involvement of young people in environmental advocacy, noting that a team of student TikTok content creators has been engaged to amplify environmental awareness campaigns linked to the cross-country event.
“Every coin that you invest here does not go to waste; it is used to conserve the environment,” she said, emphasizing that strategic partnerships have enabled the university to achieve tangible results in the conservation of the Mau ecosystem.
Prof. Kitaka further revealed that the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) had approached Egerton University to support conservation efforts around Keringet Dam and Kenyatta Dam in Kuresoi Constituency. Scientific research conducted by the university on regional water resources subsequently attracted the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, led by Principal Secretary Dr. Festus Ng’eno, to launch a broader multidisciplinary conservation programme.
She also noted that the university is playing a key role as a data and knowledge partner in the national MFC-ICLIP programme, launched by President William Ruto, which includes livelihood enhancement, waste management, and environmental restoration initiatives aligned with the national 15-billion-tree-planting campaign.
Nakuru County Athletics Kenya Chairperson Nancy Sigei encouraged participation in athletics across all age groups, emphasizing the health and environmental benefits of running.
She described the Mau–Egerton Cross Country as a signature regional event that has helped nurture young athletic talent, many of whom have progressed to compete successfully at global levels.
Paul Tuitoek, speaking on behalf of Athletics Kenya’s university category, confirmed that Athletics Kenya would provide technical support and facilitate participation by university teams from across the country.
Athletes who have excelled internationally were also recognized during the launch. Cross-country ambassador Purity Chepkurui was celebrated for her outstanding achievements, including winning a gold medal at the 2024 world championships, while Vincent Kipngetich was commended for securing a silver medal at the 2024 Berlin races.
Athletics Kenya officials reiterated their commitment to promoting athletics while advancing environmental conservation through continued collaboration with Egerton University.
Among the partners supporting the event is Pack Pro, a recycling firm that will help implement waste recycling and reuse initiatives during the cross-country event, reinforcing the circular economy model that the Mau–Egerton Cross Country seeks to promote.
