ActionAid Kenya and Sarova Hotels have partnered with the County Government of Isiolo to promote sports tourism for community development through  ‘The Shaba Challenge’.

The event is set to take place on the 10th of August 2019 at the Shaba National Reserve in Isiolo.

The Shaba Challenge features epic obstacle courses within the scenic Shaba National Reserve landscape and tens of team events specially curated to make it the most engaging and fun team event ever yet.

The event will seek to raise funds in support of marginalised communities in the county.

In the recent past, Isiolo County has heavily been hit by the effects of recurrent drought heightened by climate change, human-wildlife conflicts and other disasters, which have adversely affected the livelihoods of communities in the arid region.

Speaking at the event, Isiolo County Governor Mohammed Kuti noted that the event will accord teams an opportunity to interact with the diverse culture existing in Isiolo and enjoy an extraordinary outdoor experience,

All these while supporting responsible conservation and a worthy cause that will improve the lives of marginalised communities who continue to suffer the effects of recurrent drought caused by climate change.

He also added that the event is a great opportunity for Kenyans to experience the beautiful national park in Isiolo that is home to the big five.

Action Aid Kenya Executive Director, Makena Mwobobia emphasized on the need to tap into the power in people and stand in solidarity with the poor people and those marginalised.

On his part Sarova Hotels Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki noted that sports tourism has become very popular in the country and the event will drive sports enthusiasts to Isiolo County.

Isiolo is rich in culture, heritage and other unexplored tourism attractions that the hospitality industry is aggressively marketing in line with their diversification strategy. 

The Shaba Challenge entails three obstacle courses suited for various groups of participants.

• The Ndovu Course- The Tough Course. Suitable for professional fitness enthusiasts. Includes mud and trail runs, adventure challenges and more competitive timed obstacle course races. The obstacles include cargo net climbs, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of mud and water, crawling under barbed wire, and the natural Shaba terrain. The obstacles employed throughout the course will test endurance, strength, speed and dexterity.
• The Simba Pride Course. The Teamwork Course. Suitable for organisations who are interested in fostering trust and team spirit among their staff. Features a six-kilometre mud run out in the park through the tough Shaba terrain with epic obstacles such as tyre flips, cargo nets, balance beams, wall climbs and many more.
• The Swara Family Course. The Fun Course. Specially curated for friends and family teams who want to spend time together engaging in a physically challenging activities out in the savannah. Speaking on behalf of the Fitness Professionals Association of Kenya, Mr Philip Namasaka noted that this will be a trailblazer event not just in the country but in East and Central Africa; that will bring together people with varied fitness levels to celebrate physical resilience through the challenge activities, while contributing to the resilience of communities living in poverty and exclusion.