Kenya: Dwindling tourism numbers are a cause for alarm for a nation as
dependent to the industry as Kenya is. Our main attractions —diverse terrain
and culture, pristine beaches, and the safari — are fast fading as bait for
first-time visitors as well as return guests. Various explanations have been
offered for this state of affairs: If it is not the monotony and general
decline in the quality of our products, then it is the spirited onslaught from
other destinations offering similar packages but on a grander scale, or, better
yet, we could blame it on the new kid on the block — terrorism. For a
44-million-strong nation, local tourism should be a bankable option to salvage
the sector that slumps to a near halt during the low season. But, just like
international tourists, locals require incentive to visit places or make return
trips.
One way to achieve this is by giving a feel-good reason to visit; a
charity, for instance. If the ‘Kenyans for Kenyans’, anti-jigger, and other
charity initiatives are anything to go by, then this might just be what the
industry needs. A while back, one journalist had the honour of covering an incredible story
whose roots run so deep that Kenya’s tourism recovery might be pegged to its
model. Athletic events are not new to us. Neither are the fundraising drives
linked to this sport. However, true to Kenyans’ well-meaning naivety, few
bother to follow the trail to the end, and see the recipients of the monies
raised. Expenses Sadly, a huge chunk of these funds goes towards covering the
expenses of the events. Nevertheless, from what is left over, a trickle forms,
and widens to help meet the intended goal, but I politick. Today’s tale is one
of beneficence; of a dream born of the need to give back to society.
In 2010,
Paul Lebeneiyo, a game ranger, and Francis Merinyi, a social worker, who had
met while herding cattle as boys, were invited to participate in the Chinese
edition of the The Amazing Race television series, alongside nine other teams
from all over the world.
The competition running through 12 cities required mental astuteness, physical strength and a bit of luck. But it came with a healthy sprinkling of exposure and experience, even as lifelong friendships were formed. One such friendship was that between the ‘Maasai Warriors’, as Paul and Francis called themselves, and ultra marathoners Sarah Edson and Molly Fitzpatrick. (An ultra marathon is any sporting event involving running and walking longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres.)
The competition running through 12 cities required mental astuteness, physical strength and a bit of luck. But it came with a healthy sprinkling of exposure and experience, even as lifelong friendships were formed. One such friendship was that between the ‘Maasai Warriors’, as Paul and Francis called themselves, and ultra marathoners Sarah Edson and Molly Fitzpatrick. (An ultra marathon is any sporting event involving running and walking longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres.)
This friendship culminated in the launch
of an ultra-distance event dubbed The Amazing Maasai Ultra (Tamu). Proceeds go
towards supporting Maasai girls’ education in Kenya. An early start from the
capital, then a lunch stop in Nanyuki, followed by 70 kilometres northeast
through rough terrain sees the van I share with a jolly team of runners and
service crew arrive in Kimanjo area of Laikipia County. Cliff The race camp is
located at the foot of a cliff intended to ward off the chilly, not to mention
dusty, gusts of wind. Freshening up, registration, pitching of tents for
self-catered campers and race briefing are done swiftly, before darkness
engulfs the plains. The next day, the race, which has 21km, 42km and 75km
categories, begins just before first light.
It is like any other race, save for
the blistering heat the runners have to brave. But it is all for a worthy
cause, and locals volunteer in the planning of the event as a show of
appreciation. During the long wait for the runners at the finish line, one
journalist chated with Helen Meshami and Valarie Julius, scholarship recipients
of the previous year’s race. Theirs is the touching story of hope renewed after
lack of school fees almost dashed their academic dreams. Along with 24 other
beneficiaries, they would have been bartered for five cows each, and left the
classroom to become wives, were it not for the money from this event. As
Charles Rotich and Monica Chepkurgat, the latter running barefoot, cross the
75-kilometre
tape after noon, everyone shares their win. From
the girl dreaming of a bright future to the herdsboy who is now exposed to a
new sport, and the widow with one less financial burden, there is much to celebrate.
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