Beer, wine, and spirits marketing company, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) through its Heineken 0.0 brand, has today announced a Ksh 10M partnership with this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (SCNM).
This is the Second major sponsorship by Heineken 0.0 since its introduction in the Kenyan market in 2022.
Under this collaboration, KWAL will sponsor the 21KM Half-Marathon event through its non- alcoholic beer and cider brands, Heineken ® 0.0 and Savanna 0.0, respectively.
Dr Senorine Wasike, Head of Marketing and Prudence Mutembei, Senior Brand Manager at KWAL during the presentation of the sponsorship cheque. (Image: Files)
According to Dr Senorine Wasike, Head of Marketing at KWAL, the strengthened partnership aligns with the company’s objective to promote wellness in Kenya through its non-alcoholic portfolio.
“KWAL is pleased to partner with SCNM to encourage more Kenyans to adopt a healthier lifestyle by engaging in physical activity and sports,”
Stated Dr Wasike at the Marathon sponsors’ breakfast event in Nairobi.
She further noted that KWAL has increased its sponsorship from Ksh 5M last year, reflecting its dedication to supporting initiatives that positively impact communities.
She highlighted the Future makers Program, an initiative directly associated with the Marathon, aimed at fostering economic inclusion among disadvantaged youth.
“The Marathon is not only a premier sporting event but also contributes to community development through the Future Makers initiative.
Additionally, the Marathon provides a platform to enhance the overall well-being of communities, positioning it as an excellent partner for Heineken ® 0.0, a brand committed to health and wellness.”
She explained.
Heineken® 0.0, a non- alcoholic beer marketed locally by KWAL, positions itself as a brand catering to health-conscious consumers who seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle while socializing and occasionally enjoying beer without alcohol.
“As a brand, Heineken ® 0.0 supports consumers on their wellness journey by offering a zero- alcohol option with fewer calories, aligning with their lifestyle and health objectives.
This enables individuals to enjoy a high-quality beer without compromising their fitness or workout routines,”
Said Prudence Mutembei, Senior Brand Manager at KWAL, responsible for beers.
She also revealed that the non- alcoholic category has experienced significant growth in Kenya, driven by a shift towards healthier living, particularly among young adults and professionals in the wellness sector.
“An increasing number of young adults, predominantly from the Gen Z demographic, are choosing beers with lower or zero alcohol content while maintaining their social activities with friends, leading to notable growth within the category,”
The annual Partner’s Open Day event hosted by Standard Chartered Bank took place at their headquarters in Nairobi, situated along Westland’s Road, providing an excellent platform for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase and promote their products.
The two-day event that commenced on Thursday, July 27th drew a considerable crowd, including the bank’s clients, shareholders, and the general public.
The first day of the event witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 60 partners in attendance. Distinguished SMEs and well-known partners graced the occasion, adding prestige to the gathering. Notable names such as Jubilee Insurance, Sasini Tea, Dorman’s Coffee, East African Breweries Ltd (EABL), Toyota, and BMW were present to exhibit their offerings.
Participants engage in the gallery section on Day One of the Partner’s Open Day.
In addition to these established companies, the event also featured digital start-ups like PTG Travels, a prominent digital-hailing cab company, as well as Zuku, Elite Digital, and Nellions – a firm specializing in moving and relocation services. Corporate partners, including Ideal Ceramics, Africa Cotton, and Tawi Foods, were also among those present at the event.
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs Brand and Marketing, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to success, emphasizing their collaboration this year with the Consumer Private and Business Banking (CPBB) unit to ensure the expo’s triumph.
The event created a buzz of excitement among the attendees, as numerous partners presented their products at discounted prices, and SMEs offered enticing discounts on their offerings.
In addition to the attractive deals, Joyce Kibe, the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, encouraged customers to make the most of the Partner Reward Program. By using their Standard Chartered bank cards, customers could earn rewards and points, providing them with added benefits for their purchases.
“For example, the easy payment plan as well as the 360 Rewards program. We think this exhibition is beneficial because clients as well as our colleagues get to understand who some of our suppliers and partners are,” She remarked.
Overall, the Partner’s Open Day event proved to be a fruitful and enjoyable experience for both businesses and customers alike, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth in the business community.
The majority of partners participating in the event expressed a strong sense of optimism about their future collaborations with Standard Chartered Bank, with several noteworthy achievements already recorded.
An impressive stand setup at the Standard Chartered Open Day on Day Two, which occasioned a rich networking opportunity.
Nellions, the moving service provider firm, disclosed an ongoing promotion exclusively available to clients using the Standard Chartered Visa Card. For those relocating within Kenya, a generous 5% discount awaits. An additional 2.5% discount is extended to clients moving across borders.
This partnership has proven fruitful, benefiting customers with cost-saving incentives and enhancing the efficiency of their relocation process.
Another significant partner that garnered attention during the event was Enda Athletic, a proud Kenyan brand specializing in running shoes and other locally-made athletic products. Enda Athletic unveiled its intent to be a partner for the October 2023 edition of the renowned StanChart Marathon.
This exciting collaboration is anticipated to generate considerable excitement within the athletics community and beyond.
Beyond its innovative products, Enda Athletic has also made a remarkable impact on local communities through its partnership with Global FICCS, a non-profit organization. The brand’s commitment to social responsibility has led to the implementation of valuable initiatives, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and health care education, contributing to the betterment of society.
The fruitful alliances forged during the Partner’s Open Day event showcase the bank’s dedication to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with SMEs and partners.
As they move forward together, both Standard Chartered Bank and its partners look forward to achieving even greater milestones and making a positive impact on the community and the economy as a whole.
Standard Chartered has today launched its 20th Edition – Mombasa Satellite Marathon in collaboration with the Mombasa Walk Movement (MWM), a renowned community-based organization promoting healthy living and environmental sustainability.
The launch event dubbed “Twende StanChart Marathon 2023” served as an inspiring prelude to the highly anticipated 20th Edition of the Standard Chartered Marathon. It included a 14 Km Pre-Launch Walk which started at 6:00 am at the Standard Chartered, Treasury Square Branch to Kibarani Recreational Park in Mombasa and ended at the Miracle Park, formerly Kibarani Dumpsite at 12:00 noon.
Flag Off: The Board of Directors Chairperson, Kellen Kariuki and head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing flagging off the MWM event flanked by Hon. Mohamed Faki, Mombasa County Senator.
The core objective of the partnership is to raise awareness of the launch of the Nairobi Marathon and appeal to participants to register at www.nairobimarathon.com while emphasizing the shared values of fitness, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The walk was followed by a tree-planting activity involved planting 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Kibarani Recreation Park which is a rehabilitated dumpsite by Mombasa Cement. Mombasa Cement will also support the Bank’s ‘plant and grow’ approach to tree planting as they will take care of the trees post-planting.
Furthermore, a medical camp was held where valuable healthcare services were provided to 200 participants and the local community in partnership with Aga Khan Hospital, Procare Medical Centre and Mikindani Medical Hospital. Some of the medical services provided include; Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar Tests and Cancer Screening.
While addressing the participants, Kellen Kariuki the Board Chairperson, of Standard Chartered Kenya said;
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Mombasa Walk Movement to foster a healthier and greener future while encouraging active participation and community well-being in Mombasa.
She added; “Like in the previous editions of the SC Nairobi marathon, Sustainability remains a key agenda as we celebrate “20 years of running”. This year we intend to plant over 25,000 tree seedlings during the main marathon event, warm-up races and satellite runs.
We will also continue to partner with Taka Taka Solutions to recycle 100% of the waste generated from the marathon with the aim to minimize the negative impacts of our operations as well as drive positive change in partnership with various stakeholders at all touchpoints. I, therefore, appeal to Mombasa County and the entire community here to embrace the Nairobi marathon by registering for it.”
Fun moments during the MWM Walk in Mombasa.
Idris Abdirahman, the founder and Chairman of Mombasa Walk Movement, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating;
“Partnering with Standard Chartered Bank for this momentous event aligns perfectly with our vision for a healthier and walkable Mombasa. We are confident that this launch will inspire individuals and communities to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle while raising awareness about the upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon.”
Speaking at the same event, Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing reiterated;
“With this year’s 20th edition, we intend to give you an experience like no other as we celebrate ‘20 years of running.’ The physical Nairobi Marathon will be held on Sunday, 29th October 2023 on the Southern Bypass with Uhuru Gardens as the marathon venue,while the satellite marathons in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret will kick off starting 22nd October to 29th October 2023.
The event will feature all six race categories: 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
This year’s target is to have 25,000 runners participate in the physical marathon. The registration portal is officially open on www.nairobimarathon.com until 15th October 2023 and the registration fee remains KES 2,000.”
Mombasa County Senator Mohamed Faki addresses participants.
While addressing the participants Hon. Mohamed Faki, the Senator of Mombasa County expressed his gratitude saying;
“I am honoured to participate in this unprecedented collaboration between Standard Chartered Kenya and Mombasa Walk Movement. As Mombasa, we are very proud to have hosted the Nairobi Marathon Mombasa Satellite event called ‘Twende Stanchart Marathon.”
I recommend that you prepare a Mombasa Standard Chartered Marathon, so you continue to foster a spirit of solidarity, wellbeing and community in our midst.
I thank Standard Chartered Kenya for running the Nairobi Marathon which embodies the resilience of our people, promotes sports and uplifts the economy. I therefore appeal to everyone to register for this 20th Nairobi marathon edition and together let us run hand in hand, for the love of our nation, for the love of sport, and for the love of a better tomorrow.” He concluded.
The funds raised from the marathon will be channelled towards the Standard Chartered Futuremakers programs that support future generations to learn, earn and grow. In 2022, we saw a record contribution of KES 37 million raised for the FutureMakers initiative.
