The UAP Ndakaini half-marathon, now in its 8th season, is an annual event sponsored by UAP insurance Company and takes place around the scenic Ndakaini Dam to raise funds for the conservation of the dam which is an important water catchment area. The dam meets over 80% of the water needs in the city of Nairobi.
The event, which started in 2004 under the auspices of the Ndakaini Dam Environmental Conservation Association (NDEKA), is an Athletics Kenya-sanctioned event that is open to participants of all ages including public and corporate teams.
It half-marathon involves a gruelling main race covering a 21 KM course but has other shorter races of 10 KM, 5 KM and 3 KM to add to the fun.
NDEKA’s mission is to support a sustainable supply of safe water to the Ndakaini Dam through conservation of the catchment area and the empowerment of the local community to develop viable social economic enterprises associated with the dam.
This year’s event will kick off on the 17 of September. Individuals will have to pay KES. 500.00 and corporates (maximum of 10 people), KES 50,000.00. Transport will be available from Nairobi to Ndakaini and back; departure from Nairobi will be at 7.00 AM, departure from Ndakaini will be at 5.00 PM.
Managed by the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, the Ndakaini dam is located about 40 KM west of Thika Town on the slopes of the Aberdares. The dam is about 2,041 M above sea level with a surface area spanning 3 KM2. It has a capacity of about 70 million cubic metres of water.
Deforestation and continued degradation of the environment are causing diminishing water resources. At one point Ndakaini’s water level fell to 35%, triggering a prolonged water rationing programme by the Water Company. The half-marathon event is thus a timely and noble one that should be supported. So go run, if you can and do it for a worthy cause!
Great undertaking by UAP insurance company. My observation, apart from marketing their company, I doubt the Ndakaini community is part of their agenda.