Joe Sang, the Kenya Pipeline Company boss known in sporting circles as the “Running CEO”, is preparing for a double challenge this September, chasing a sub-three-hour finish at the BMW Berlin Marathon while at the same time steering a nationwide charity drive that seeks Sh200 million for needy schoolchildren.
The charitable arm, now formalised as the Joe Sang Foundation, was unveiled in Nairobi on Friday in the presence of senior government officials, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary James Mbadi, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba and Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban.
The foundation’s central aim is to cover education costs for underprivileged learners across the country.
Initial pledges at the launch crossed Sh15 million, swelling the kitty to Sh26 million when added to the Sh11 million raised earlier.
Notable contributions came from Stanbic Bank, Equity Bank’s Group CEO James Mwangi, the Humphrey Kariuki Foundation and several well-known business figures such as Deepak Gadhavi and Valerie Limo of Stabex International.
Read More
More supporters, among them Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Nick Ruto and accounting firm Ibrahimjee and Mutai Advisory LLP, which promised one per cent of its revenue this year, also signed on.
The fundraising target is split into two phases, with half the sum, Sh100 million, expected before Sang lines up for the Berlin race on September 21.
Sang, a native of Kericho County, ventured into competitive road running at last year’s Chicago Marathon where he posted three hours and seven minutes.
With advice and encouragement from veterans who have dominated Berlin’s flat and fast course, he is now determined to trim more than seven minutes off his time.
Preparation for Berlin has included this year’s Nairobi City Marathon, where Sang recorded his personal best of one hour, 31 minutes and four seconds while running alongside his training partner John Terer, the motor sales entrepreneur who will also compete in Germany.
Support has come not only in the form of money.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth offered to equip Kapmaso Primary and Secondary School in Kericho, the foundation’s first beneficiaries, and told the gathering, “Kenyan athletes have made Berlin their base for breaking the world marathon record and I'm confident that Sang will equally break his personal record there."
Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau, speaking on behalf of ex-NOC-K President Paul Tergat, explained why the German capital has become a magnet for elite performances.
"The reason why most Kenyan athletes perform well in Berlin is because of altitude which near sea level and the streets are well shielded from strong winds by the tall buildings lining up the streets. It is the perfect place for you to break your record," Makau stated.
The Education Cabinet Secretary, whose ministry stands to benefit directly from the initiative, connected personally with the cause.
“I really identify with this initiative firstly because, as head of the educational sector that is suffering from capitation problems and also because I'm a product of such initiatives,” Ogamba said.
"My parents only paid fees in the first term of school before well-wishers stepped in to help. There we should all show up and aid these initiatives for they go a long way in changing lives."
Mbadi also shared his story, recalling, “The person who paid my school fees, my elder brother, actually worked in tea farms, picking tea to make me reach where I am today and so when I see such reminders, it demonstrates how far people come.”
Paralympian Henry Wanyoike joined the line-up of sporting figures backing Sang’s Berlin mission, while the foundation’s donor roll continued to grow with contributions ranging from Sh20,000 to Sh1 million.
As Sang trains his body for the gruelling 42-kilometre test in Germany, the foundation he has launched is already racing ahead, giving hope that his marathon journey will open classroom doors for thousands of Kenyan children.
-1756807229.jpeg)
 (1)-1756283686.jpeg)
-1755531438.jpg)
