<\/p>\n
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 10, 2026 – The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on Friday hosted Ethiopian marathon legend and two-time Olympic 10,000m champion, Haile Gebrselassie, on a special familiarisation trip to the Nairobi National Park, ahead of the 22nd edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), set for this evening at the Uhuru Gardens.<\/em><\/p>\n Gebrselassie, who is in the country as the chief guest of the awards, was accompanied by his long-time rival and friend, Kenyan athletics icon and SOYA founder Paul Tergat.<\/p>\n The excursion, which is part of KTB’s official sponsorship for the 2026 SOYA Awards, highlights the synergy between sports and tourism in Kenya.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two legends enjoyed a morning game drive against the unique backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline, witnessing Kenya’s diverse wildlife just minutes from the city centre.<\/p>\n \n Speaking during the trip, Gebrselassie said:<\/p>\n “It was an amazing experience, to see not only the animals this morning but the beautiful landscapes and scenery, all within the city. Kenyans should be proud of such a spectacle, I wish we could have such things back home.”<\/p>\n On her part, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging such high-profile sporting events and personalities to showcase Kenya’s tourism offerings to the world, particularly within the African continent.<\/p>\n “Partnerships of this nature are instrumental in growing and diversifying Kenya’s tourism product. By hosting regional icons like Haile Gebrselassie, we are not only celebrating sporting excellence but also sending a strong invitation to our neighbors and the wider regional market,” Chepkemei said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She added: “Sports tourism is a rapidly expanding sector globally, and Kenya is perfectly positioned to lead this growth by offering unique experiences that blend our world-class sporting heritage with our unmatched natural beauty.”<\/p>\n On his part, Tergat expressed his gratitude to the Kenya Tourism Board for their continued support.<\/p>\n “It is a great honor to have my brother Haile here with us. This trip to the Nairobi National Park is a testament to the beauty of our country and the potential we have to use sports as a bridge to promote our tourism. We are proud to partner with KTB to show the world what Magical Kenya has to offer. It has set the stage for a great evening later today, where we’ll be celebrating sporting excellence,” Tergat said.<\/p>\n
\nFollow us on WhatsApp<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> for the latest headlines
\n <\/span>\n<\/p>\n