Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon partner with Hope Mobility for 2026 edition

Standard Chartered Kenya has teamed up with Hope Mobility Kenya for the 2026 edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. Michael Panther, the founder of Hope Mobility Kenya, will compete in the marathon using a specially designed racing wheelchair. Panther's participation aims to raise funds for the distribution of at least 200 custom-fitted pediatric wheelchairs to children living with disabilities.

Hope Mobility Kenya is a charity organization that manufactures and distributes around 3,500 wheelchairs annually to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across Kenya. The charity's founder, Michael Panther, is seen as a champion for mobility, hoping to improve the lives of children with disabilities by providing them access to education, healthcare, and social opportunities.

As part of the campaign, Panther will be participating in the marathon using a wheelchair dubbed "the Red Ferrari". The campaign's goal is to not only raise funds but also to influence policy and decision makers to work towards improving the lives of children with disabilities in Kenya.

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is known for its inclusive platform, offering athletes of all abilities a chance to participate and be recognized. The event features a dedicated 21-kilometre wheelchair race and has consistently improved accessibility through inclusive training, sign-language interpretation, enhanced ramps, and tailored race day support.

The 2025 edition of the marathon saw 184 wheelchair athletes and over 80 participants with other disabilities, an increase from 153 participants with disabilities in 2024. According to the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD), there is a significant shortage of wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices in Kenya, with an estimated 550,000 needed and 200,000 being children.

Hope Mobility Kenya aims to address this gap by manufacturing and distributing specialized pediatric wheelchairs that adhere to the World Health Organization's recommended eight-step wheelchair service process. Each wheelchair costs around KSh50,000, and the provision of such customized devices ensures children's safety, allowing them to access education, healthcare, and community life.