Words on Wellness with Kenyan Poet

Joyce Kibe on Fitness, Marketing and the StanChart Nairobi Marathon

We’re thrilled to feature an illuminating conversation with Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Kenya & Africa at Standard Chartered in our latest #WordsOnWellness episode. Joyce shares candid reflections, from growing up with big dreams, falling in love with marketing, to embracing sport (boxing, running, dancing) as an anchor in her life. She opens up on: - Her 2021 birthday challenge of running 7 days a week for 30 days - Breaking a personal record in the half marathon (2023) and targeting a sub-7 in July 2024 - How she trained with Coach Dedan, stayed consistent, and built synergy between motherhood & sport - Leading roles across Kenya, Nigeria, UK & Zimbabwe, and the values that guide her - Joining Standard Chartered Bank in 2021 - Spearheading the 20th StanChart Nairobi Marathon: over 22,000 runners, 95+ nationalities, and record sponsorship of KSh 173M - Working with Running groups, Sponsors, taking and incorporating feedback.- This year's Stanchart Nairobi Marathon; participation goals, sponsorship ambitions, and nurturing local athletic talent. - The Stanchart Running Club, its importance to staff wellness and how it feeds into the marathon

Inside the Lives of Kenya’s Fitness Content Creators Skimo Njoro & Charity Kirui

Skimo Njoro & Miss Kirui are some of Kenya's most prolific content creators on fitness & wellness. In February this year, Skimo's videos of Thika rd vs Karen Billboards and Miss Kirui's video of the one hater who didn't go to Kili marathon both went viral, etching their creativity in the minds of many Kenyans. When Miss Kirui is not creating content of her running, workouts, yoga or hiking, navigating the world of Fitness & Health, she is Dr. Charity (Chepkemoi) Kirui, a Medical Officer at the LONGISA COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, Bomet, with experience working with public and private hospitals. Clinton, aka Skimo Njoro, is an avid cyclist and an equally passionate digital content creator who works in the aviation industry and is an entrepreneur in electronics. Skimo also sits on the board of Challenge Hunters, a cycling club established in 2024. In this episode, Skimo & Charity spoke to us on; - What set them on their respective paths? - The craft, ideation and motivations that inform their content creation - Strength training for runners & cyclists - Lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes and cancer, which have become the leading cause of deaths in Kenya - Factors contributing to the rise of lifestyle diseases in Kenya - How their content is contributing to shifting the narrative and misconceptions on how living a healthy lifestyle can prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDS) - Fads, trends and fitness challenges - What the future holds for them Follow Charity on IG & Tiktok: @_miss_Kirui and Skimo on IG & TikTok: @skimo_njoro This episode was produced with the support of Semabox Africa.

From Boardrooms to Bike Trails, Eric Muriuki is Elevating Cycling in Kenya

Many know him more for his distinguished career that spans over 20 years in the financial services sector, for pioneering the development and commercialisation of  Mshwari, LOOP, a lifestyle-focused digital financial service and leading digital banking at NCBA. What many might not know is that Eric Muriuki, the NCBA Group Director, Digital Business & Chief Executive Officer LOOP DFS is an ardent cyclist and as he describes himself , “ a fast-fading footballer.” In 2024, Loop jointly launched and became the title sponsor of the Safari Gravel Series organised by the Amani Project. That first edition saw an impressive entry of over 1500 professional, amateur and leisure cyclists who converged at each of the races in  Tatu City, Iten, Naivasha and Kilifi. In this episode, Muriuki and I talk about his childhood, taking up various sports in Nairobi school and JKUAT, taking up football after college ( a sport he still plays to this day), and how a knee injury forced him to start cycling. We also talk about how the Loop Safari Gravel Series is fairing in its second year and its impact on efforts to have a cycling culture in Kenya. Oh, he also tells me what it's like to be turning 50 this year.

From Punchlines to Punching Bags: Auntie Jemimah’s Wellness Journey

Crowned Comedian of the Year 2023 at the AfriGlow Women’s Awards and her show Maitù Mùkabete, the Best KIKWETU PRODUCTION at the Kenya Theatre Awards 2024, Wangari Nguri, known to many as Auntie Jemimah is one of Kenya’s most celebrated comedians. As a creative, Wangari has seen and felt the effect that going to the gym every weekday since 2017 continues to have on her body, spirit and mind. Every day from Monday to Friday, Wangari works out through her WhatsApp status, sharing motivational messages in the form of a quote, a song and a summary of her workout session. In this episode, Wangari and I share our experiences on turning fitness into a lifestyle, motherhood, womanhood, creativity, burnouts, writer's block, and how physical fitness fills our cup. Words on Wellness with Kenyanpoet was produced with the support of Semabox Africa.

On Running, Reinvention & Rhythm with Douglas Wakiihuri

In 1987, Wakiihuri made history as the first Kenyan to win gold in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships. He won silver at the 1988 Olympics, and Gold at the Commonwealth Games, and conquered the London and New York City Marathons. Beyond his achievements, Wakiihuri continues to embody wellness and creativity. From inspiring future athletes to mentoring coaching recreational runners and curating races to exploring music and fashion, Wakiihuri is a trailblazing legend. In this episode, Wakiihuri and I delve into making music, creating an activewear fashion line, Kenya’s athletic heritage, moulding the next Kenyan elite marathoners, who is likely to take the mantle from Eliud Kipchoge and his thoughts on the 45th edition of the London Marathon having been a winner in the 80s.