The Mater Hospital has officially launched the 2026 Mater Heart Run 2026, a major fundraising initiative aimed at supporting its long-running Cardiac Program.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, seeks to raise funds to provide critical heart treatment for underprivileged children across the country.
The annual Heart Run, organized under Mater Hospital Cardiac Program, has become one of Kenya’s most impactful charity events, rallying thousands of participants to “run, give, and touch little hearts.”
Proceeds from the event go directly toward financing life-saving heart procedures for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Mater Cardiac Program was established in 1995 in response to the limited availability of quality cardiac care in Kenya at the time. Before its inception, patients who could afford treatment often had to travel abroad, while many others particularly children faced poor health outcomes due to lack of access to specialized care.
In 1996, the hospital marked a significant milestone by performing its first open-heart surgery. The program was founded in line with the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, whose values emphasize compassion and service to vulnerable communities.
Over the past 25 years, the program has expanded significantly. In 2008, it introduced free cardiac outreach screening camps across the country, aimed at early detection of heart conditions and raising awareness about preventable heart diseases.
To date, more than 5,000 heart procedures have been successfully performed, largely funded by donations from well-wishers and partners.
Most surgeries have been conducted locally by Kenyan doctors, with a few cases handled by visiting cardiologists or referred abroad.
Since its inception in 2002, the Mater Heart Run has grown from a Nairobi-based event into a nationwide initiative.
The 2026 edition will take place simultaneously in 11 towns, reflecting its expanding reach and national significance.
Key venues include Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, alongside locations in Mombasa, Machakos, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kericho, Bomet, and Kirinyaga.
Organizers are calling on individuals, corporate partners, and communities to participate in the run and contribute toward transforming the lives of children in need of cardiac care.
