By Reuben Olita -Busia
Busia County has officially flagged off preparations for the 6th edition of the Busia Cross-Border Run with a large-scale tree planting exercise ahead of the main event scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Busia Polytechnic.
Event organiser Collins Adera said all logistical and security measures have been put in place to ensure a successful cross-country event that continues to grow in stature.
Adera noted that the 15km cross-country race will uniquely see runners cross into Uganda before returning to Kenya for the finish, symbolizing unity and cooperation between the two nations.
The 5km and 10km races will be held within designated grounds at the venue.
“The aim of the run is to identify and nurture upcoming athletes. That is why we are involving institutions to scout talent from schools, colleges and universities,” said Adera.
Cross-Border Run founder Johnrich Ekasiba said the event goes beyond athletics, focusing on long-term community impact through environmental conservation and social cohesion.
“We are planting trees for the future. So far, we have covered over 30 kilometres in Kenya from Korinda Prisons and will extend the exercise into Uganda. We have mobilised over 10,000 students to continue the initiative across markets, schools and churches,” said Ekasiba.
He added that the foundation’s thematic areas include Kenya-Uganda unity, health and wellness, talent development, and environmental conservation.
The annual event has attracted over 1,000 athletes from Kenya and Uganda and aims to promote environmental conservation, healthy living, and talent development.
International scouts are also expected to attend in search of emerging talent.
This year’s run is themed: “Transforming Footsteps into Conservation Action.”
Participants will compete in 15km, 10km and 5km races, all geared towards raising awareness on ecosystem restoration in the border region.
As part of the build-up activities, organisers led by the Osiya Foundation planted more than 20,000 tree seedlings along the Busia–Mumias Road between Korinda and Munami.
Additionally, over 5,000 grafted mango seedlings were distributed to 22 schools along the route.
The tree planting exercise brought together leaders from both Kenya and Uganda, including Uganda’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abdul Nasser, Busia Municipality Mayor Sadik Amini, Nambale Assistant County Commissioner Sheila Lang’at, and Kenya Forest Service Western Regional Commander Stephen M. Chessa.
Beyond athletics, the event will also feature a free medical camp, where health workers from Busia County Referral Hospital and other facilities will attend to residents with various ailments.
Leaders have also urged residents on both sides of the border to take advantage of improved bilateral relations and the East African Community open market policy to expand trade and boost local economies.
Speaking during the tree planting exercise at Tangakona Market, Abdul Nasser and Mayor Amini emphasized the need for communities to harness cross-border business opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
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Participants plant tree seedlings along the Busia–Mumias Road ahead of the 6th Cross-Border Run.
Organisers and leaders from Kenya and Uganda during the tree planting exercise at Tangakona Market.
Students join officials in a tree planting drive to promote environmental conservation ahead of the Busia Cross-Border Run.
