By GPC Sports Reporter
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has partnered with Hope Mobility Kenya in a campaign to raise funds for 200 custom-fitted wheelchairs for children living with disabilities.
The campaign will see Michael Panther, founder of Hope Mobility Kenya, participate in the 42-kilometre marathon on October 25 using a professional racing wheelchair, in what organisers describe as a first-of-its-kind challenge for a person with disability in the race.
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Panther will use a specialised wheelchair christened the “Red Ferrari” as he seeks to raise funds to support children who lack appropriate mobility devices.
Hope Mobility Kenya fabricates and distributes wheelchairs to persons with disabilities and has so far provided about 3,500 wheelchairs in Kenya.
“I am excited about this campaign as I have begun training. As a Champion for Mobility, I hope to impact the lives of our children by giving them access to education, healthcare and a glimpse into friendships with their peers,” Panther said.
He said his participation was not simply an athletic challenge but an attempt to draw attention to the mobility needs of children with disabilities and encourage policymakers and decision-makers to support long-term solutions.
According to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kenya has a shortfall of about 550,000 wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices, including approximately 200,000 needed by children.
Panther said each specialised wheelchair costs about Sh50,000 and is custom-fitted to meet the needs of individual children.
“When we provide a child with a custom-fitted wheelchair, following the WHO eight-step clinical guidelines, we ensure their safety. We don’t just move their bodies – we open the doors to the classroom and allow their mothers to return to work,” he said.
Standard Chartered Head of Community Engagement and Impact, Kenya and Africa, Regina Mukiri, said the marathon was committed to providing an inclusive platform for athletes of different abilities.
“Sport should be open to everyone. Through the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, we provide an inclusive platform where athletes of all abilities can participate and be recognised,” Mukiri said.
She said Panther’s challenge would help spotlight the campaign to provide 200 children with custom-fitted wheelchairs and expand their access to education, healthcare and community life.
The marathon has a dedicated 21-kilometre wheelchair race and has introduced measures including inclusive training, sign-language interpretation, improved ramps and tailored race-day support.
In 2025, the event attracted 184 wheelchair athletes and more than 80 other participants with disabilities, compared with 153 participants with disabilities in 2024.
Funds raised through Panther’s campaign will be used by Hope Mobility Kenya to manufacture and distribute specialised paediatric wheelchairs using the World Health Organization’s eight-step wheelchair service process, which involves assessment, fitting and follow-up to ensure the devices are safe and appropriate for individual users.
Panther is seeking Sh1,000 for every kilometre he covers from individual supporters. Corporate partners can contribute any amount through M-Pesa PayBill Business Number 4365057, using the account name “MARATHON”.
Donations can also be made through Hope Mobility Kenya’s Kingdom Bank account, Kilimani Branch, account number 1152126093002.
