Magnolia Girls run aims to raise Sh10m in its second edition next month

Athletics Kenya vice president Paul Mutwii (right) with Magnolia CEO Robert Saruni. [Courtesy, Standard]

After its successful inaugural run, the second edition of the Magnolia Girls' competition will be held on November 27.

This year's race aims at helping raise Sh10m. Robert Saruni, CEO and co-founder of Rainbow of Magnolia, said this is geared towards the construction of dining and boarding facilities at the organisation's headquarters in Loitoktok, Kajiado County.

The event, set for Uhuru Gardens, will comprise two categories; 10km and 5km. The race's registration fees is Sh1,500. Registration will start next week.

"The main aim of the race is to raise money to fund our activities, with rescuing vulnerable girls from female genital mutilation, early marriages and other forms of domestic top on our agenda," said Saruni.

"Our projection is to raise Sh10m. We are actually calling on corporates to partner with us in uplifting the lives of these vulnerable girls."

Saruni said they are taking care of 73 girls who are between eight and 19 years. The institution was stated in 2015.

He added that most of the girls are either runaways or victims of FGM, planned early marriages, rape, torture and neglect in their families and society and who need not only basic needs but also health services, education and right to association.

Saruni added that despite their main focus being on the girls, they have also come through for needy boys who seek their help especially on areas of education and health.

In addition, Saruni said they have diversified their activities and are now into sports - athletics and basketball - where some of the students have already participated in AK age-grade competitions. [Standard Reporter]