First edition of magical Kenya mountain trail series flagged off in Nyahururu

Kenya is targeting to attract about 200,000 adventure travelers in the next five years as it unveils Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series.
The series that kicked off on Tuesday, with a 5-day long hike forms part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism product portfolio and increase revenue by tapping into the fast-growing global adventure tourism market, which was valued at approximately $804 billion in 2024.
Speaking at the launch of the first leg of the series on Monday in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, emphasized the importance of diversifying Kenya’s tourism. He noted that initiatives like the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series aim to grow the tourism sector that attracted over 2.4 million visitors and generated over Ksh.350 billion in revenue in 2024 by focusing on adventure and mountain tourism.
“Through these efforts, we seek not only to attract more international visitors but also to promote local tourism and create economic opportunities for the communities involved,” he said.
The series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition & Barngetuny Run, is being organized in collaboration with Athletics Kenya (AK) and aims to position Kenya as a premier destination for adventure and sports tourism.
The five-day event encompasses a diverse range of activities, including hiking, biking, cultural immersions, and farm tours across five counties—Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and Nandi. It will culminate with the Barngetuny Run on January 18, 2025 in Nandi County.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, expressed her excitement about the event, which she described as an exceptional opportunity to explore Kenya’s hidden gems while promoting new tourism pathways.
“This inaugural series promises to be a truly memorable experience as we traverse unique terrains and immerse ourselves in the rich and diverse cultures of the participating counties. We anticipate hosting more adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, both local and international, who will join us in celebrating Kenya’s beauty through hiking, biking, farm tours, and tea and coffee tastings,” Miano remarked.
Athletics Kenya President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, noted that the event is an excellent platform to showcase Kenya’s global reputation as a sports tourism destination.
“As a federation, we see the Heritage Trails Expedition & Barngetuny Run as a golden opportunity not only to promote an active lifestyle but also to demonstrate Kenya’s natural beauty and cultural richness. This initiative aligns with our broader objective of positioning Kenya as a leading destination for sports tourism,” Tuwei said.
In addition to the ongoing Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series will feature other major events throughout the year. These include the Nyamira Great Run Edition in May, Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition in June, Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition in August, Mt. Longonot Edition in November, and the Mt. Elgon Run in December.