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Magical Kenya Trails Series to inject over 1,000 direct jobs into tourism sector
The trail series for the first time introduced the 4x4 off-road adventure rides, to complement existing biking and hiking activities, creating a more immersive multi-disciplinary experience aimed at positioning Kenya as a premier adventure tourism destination.
The Magical Kenya Mountain and Trails Series is projecting to inject over 1,000 direct jobs into Kenya’s tourism sector, reinforcing the government’s commitment to leveraging sports, culture, and adventure tourism as a driver of inclusive economic growth in rural communities.
Speaking while flagging off the beginning of 2026 edition of the Trail Series in Tinderet, Nandi County, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said the trails had powerful economic impact in hosting communities adding that the government will continue to invest in supporting infrastructure to boost tourism.
The trail series for the first time introduced the 4×4 off-road adventure rides, to complement existing biking and hiking activities, creating a more immersive multi-disciplinary experience aimed at positioning Kenya as a premier adventure tourism destination.
“The Magical Kenya Mountain and Trails Series now in its second year is intentionally designed to leave a lasting impact in the destinations where it is hosted. Beyond the adventure experience, our focus is on capacity building, skills development, and delivering tangible economic benefits to local communities. Our goal is to inject around a thousand jobs into the sector to ensure that we also bridge the capacity gap that we have,” said Chepkemei.
The CEO added that as part of this commitment, 100 students from the host region would receive scholarships in the hospitality and tourism sector, ensuring that young Kenyans are empowered to actively participate in and benefit from Kenya’s growing tourism industry.
The three-day expedition, which runs through Saturday, brings together off-road driving, cycling, hiking, cultural immersion, and competitive sport, offering participants a holistic experience of Kenya’s highland landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The Nandi leg marks the first event of the 2026 Magical Kenya Mountain and Trails Series, co-headlined by the Taptengelei Cultural Festival and the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run.
Friday’s itinerary will feature the Taptengelei Cultural Festival, where participants will experience traditional Kalenjin practices, including mursik preparation, traditional farming demonstrations, cultural regalia displays, and interactive educational exchanges with community elders and cultural practitioners.
The event culminates on Saturday with the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run, which also serves as a selection event for Kenya’s team to the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Over 3,000 runners and more than 10,000 spectators are expected, making it one of the largest sporting events in the region.
On his part, Tinderet Member of Parliament Hon. Julius Melly praised the organizers and partners for making the Magical Kenya Trail Series, Taptengelei Festival, and Barngetuny Mountain Run a mainstay in the region.
“These events have firmly established Tinderet and the wider Nandi region as key tourism and sporting destinations. This region is the home of champions producing world beaters and our goal is to tap into this to grow tourism and provide economic empowerment to communities in this region. I urge residents to take advantage of this opportunity by providing food, transport, and other services that visitors will require during the three-day event and in future editions. The benefits of tourism grow when communities fully participate,” said Melly.
The 2026 Magical Kenya Mountain and Trails Series will continue with similar events planned across the country throughout the year, each showcasing Kenya’s unique landscapes and cultures while strengthening its reputation as a diverse destination for local and international adventure enthusiasts.