Magical Kenya mountain and trail series returns to Nandi

The Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series is set to return to Nandi County, headlined by the Taptengelei Cultural Festival and the fifth edition of the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run.The three-day event will mark the opening leg of the 2026 series and will run from January 15 to 18.

Announcing the event, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the series will showcase the rich culture of the Kalenjin community while positioning Kenya as a leading destination for adventure tourism and mountain running.

“This is an important event for us as it gives us an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Kenya, interact directly with local communities, and highlight what they have to offer,” Chepkemei said.

Launched in the same region in January last year, the series has since traversed several locations, including the Western region (Magharibi Trails), the Aberdares (Aberdare Trails), and Mount Kenya (Mt Kenya Trails).

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“We live in a country endowed with exciting landscapes and incredible adventure experiences that we are proud to showcase,” Chepkemei added, noting that the series has opened tourism opportunities for communities across the country, with growth in homestays and increased business for grassroots food vendors.

Activities will begin on January 15 with mountain trails featuring bikes and off-road vehicles showcasing the rugged Tinderet terrain. Participants will pass through tea plantations, valleys, and farmlands across Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties.

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On January 16, the Taptengelei Cultural Festival will celebrate authentic Kalenjin culture, featuring traditional foods such as mursik, indigenous vegetables, and millet. The festival will also include demonstrations of traditional farming methods using oxen, cultural regalia, music, and traditional education systems.

The series will climax on January 17 with the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run, which doubles as the national championship for mountain running.

Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who is the event’s patron, confirmed that more than 3,000 runners are expected to participate, alongside over 10,000 spectators.

“This event is not only a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but also an opportunity to empower communities through sports and tourism,” Melly said.

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The Barngetuny Mountain Run has gained international recognition as a selection event for Kenya’s team to the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Last year’s winners represented the country in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, where Kenya finished eighth overall among 72 nations and topped the African rankings with more than 20 medals.

Melly further noted that the event promotes education, health, and environmental conservation, highlighting the wider economic impact of sports tourism.

The Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, run in collaboration with Athletics Kenya and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), forms part of KTB’s broader strategy to integrate adventure tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainability under the Magical Kenya Adventure Brand.

Through the initiative, Kenya aims to attract more than 200,000 adventure travellers over the next five years.

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