By Reuben Wanjala

More than 200 participants from Nairobi and Mombasa took part in a 25-kilometre walk aimed at promoting physical fitness and raising awareness about the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Britam supported the 2026 edition of the Twende Karura wellness walk, held on Sunday, November 1, bringing together fitness enthusiasts from Nairobi and Mombasa to promote healthier lifestyles.

The event attracted more than 200 participants, including members of fitness clubs and the Kenya Navy. Organised by Karura Running Club (KRC) and Mombasa Walkers Movement (MWM), the walk highlighted the importance of regular physical activity in managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Participants set off from Nairobi's city centre early in the morning before proceeding along designated trails in Karura Forest, despite light showers.

Britam's support forms part of its broader wellness initiatives, which focus on preventive healthcare, physical fitness and community well-being.

Through its wellness programme, Britam reports having reached more than 82,000 Kenyans with services including chronic disease management, mental health support, health education, disease screening and maternal wellness.

The company continues to partner with community organisations to improve access to wellness services and encourage preventive healthcare.

Mombasa Walkers Movement founder and chairman, Major (Rtd) Abdirahman Idriss, welcomed Britam's support, saying partnerships between corporate organisations and community fitness groups are helping expand health awareness initiatives beyond major urban centres.

"The support we have received from Britam has made it possible for us to expand beyond major cities and urban centres. We want this to grow into a national event beyond Mombasa and Nairobi," said Major Idriss.

"Support from our partners helps us bring more people into regular movement and provide platforms for people to manage conditions like hypertension and diabetes."

He encouraged more corporate organisations to support community-led wellness programmes, noting that regular exercise and increased health awareness can contribute to healthier communities.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over the burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya, particularly hypertension and diabetes.

According to Kenya's Ministry of Health, approximately 24 per cent of adults were living with hypertension, based on findings from the 2015 national STEPS survey. Many people remain unaware of their condition, underscoring the importance of screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Regular physical activity, including walking, can help improve cardiovascular health, support blood pressure control and reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases. For people already living with these conditions, exercise can complement medical treatment and other recommended lifestyle changes.

Britam has identified chronic disease management as an important area of its wellness efforts, supporting initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles and greater awareness of preventive healthcare.

Karura Running Club and Mombasa Walkers Movement are also working together to make organised walking and exercise more accessible in towns and cities across Kenya.

Through such partnerships, the groups hope to encourage more Kenyans to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines while building stronger community networks around health and wellness.