Delegates attending the 9th devolution conference dubbed DEVCON 2025 in Homa Bay county had a chance to spectate this year’s Roan Antelope Marathon in Ruma National Park.
Over 100 athletes took part in the marathon, during which Alfred Cheruiyot won the men’s race while Nancy Cherop won the female category.
Cheruiyot was also the winner of the first roan antelope Marathon in 2023.
Cheruiyot said he won the race due to hard work and regular practice.
The winners were awarded Sh250,000, the runners-up Sh100,000 and the second runners-up Sh75,000.
The marathon was organised through a partnership between Homa Bay County Government and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and the KWS Director General Erastus Kanga presided over the Marathon.
Wanga said the marathon was meant to promote tourism in the county as well as conserve roan antelopes in the park.
“This marathon has been organised to help us in promoting tourism in Homa Bay County. It will also help us to conserve roan antelopes in the park,” Wanga said.
Kanga said they were committed to boosting the number of roan antelopes in the park from the current 27.
Roan antelope is a rare species of antelope found in Ruma National Park only.
The Director General said conservation efforts involve the creation of sanctuaries for protecting the animals.
“We have already created a sanctuary for conserving roan antelopes. We are going to add another one. A sanctuary helps by protecting the roan antelopes from predatory animals and poachers,” Kanga said.
By Davis Langat
