The Kofisi Square parking lot in Westlands, Nairobi, reaches capacity well before 7:30 am on a Saturday morning. The hangover sunglasses and tired expressions typical of late Friday nights have disappeared. As the sun rises, individuals stretching along the curb, setting their running watches, or conversing appear energized and ready for activity.
A transformation is underway.
Emily Chepkor, an attorney and accomplished marathoner with 11 race finishes, is the driving force behind this movement. In October 2022, she persuaded three friends to join her for a Saturday morning run.
“Nairobi has always been known as a city of parties and positive vibes,” she explains. “We’ve always looked forward to Fridays. Now we’re reshaping that culture. People are adjusting their Friday night plans, sometimes skipping them altogether, because they prefer early morning running sessions.”
What began as a small group of four pavement joggers has evolved into We Run Nairobi, currently the biggest free running collective in the city, attracting hundreds of participants to their weekend gatherings at Riverside Square.
A rising health consciousness across Kenya extends beyond running. Cycling, skating, hiking, and other physical activities have gained popularity amid worsening health conditions in urban areas.
According to the 2025 annual report from WHO Kenya, non-communicable diseases represent 41 percent of all fatalities and constitute half of all hospital admissions nationwide.
During Kenya’s first National NCD Conference held in Nairobi in November 2025, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga identified the situation as one of the nation’s most critical public health issues, describing the conference as a significant step toward addressing this challenge.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
For many involved, We Run Nairobi offers an alternative to traditional fitness venues that frequently seem out of reach.
Georgina Atieno had long recognized her need for physical activity but struggled to maintain a consistent gym membership.
“Going to the gym always felt like an obligation,” she shares. “It’s costly, overcrowded, and intimidating for newcomers.”
What she discovered at We Run Nairobi was a cost-free outdoor community where people reliably gather weekly, not merely to exercise but to support each other through their fitness journeys.
Hundreds of runners now populate Nairobi’s streets on Saturday mornings, many with similar accounts of seeking physical activity without the stress commonly associated with conventional gym environments.
This inclusivity distinguishes the organization. While other running collectives charge between Sh600-1,800 for sessions including post-run refreshments, We Run Nairobi requires no fees whatsoever.
Malia, a law student committed to the 75 Hard fitness challenge, came across the group on Instagram and chose to become a member.
“I appreciate the sense of community and witnessing people collectively pursuing health,” she states. “Everything is carefully structuredthe precise warm-up periods, the running distances, the cool-down routines. For me, outdoor exercise was essential to my personal development, and this community resonated deeply with my goals.”
The actual run represents just one aspect of the experience. Following the routes, many participants remain to share meals, socialize, and form connections. Malia notes that this is where significant networking occurs.
“Attending these gatherings isn’t mandatory,” she adds. “Yet somehow, everyone chooses to stay.”
The organization’s influence has expanded well beyond Nairobi’s running enthusiasts. Chepkor currently serves as a brand ambassador for the Swiss running brand On, and the collective recently co-organized a lifestyle run at Windsor Golf Club that drew over 500 participants.
The fact that an international sportswear corporation sought out a running group originating from a lawyer and her three friends speaks volumes about the rapid growth of this movement.
Alfredo Forbes, a head coach holding a health science degree and certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, observes that this cultural change extends beyond fitness activities.
“Just recently, representatives from the alcohol industry mentioned declining revenue,” he notes. “Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are increasingly embracing athleticism as a way of life. Kenya is transforming into a nation of active individuals.”
PERSONAL STRUGGLES AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
However, the expansion of We Run Nairobi was preceded by deeply personal challenges.
Prior to the group’s formation, Chepkor was experiencing one of the most difficult phases of her career.
Following her work in public international law, she made the challenging choice to shift to conventional legal practice, essentially requiring her to rebuild her professional foundation from scratch.
“You find yourself at the absolute beginning again,” she reflects. “Every aspect of your situation takes a step back. There’s a disconnect between your current position, where you anticipated being, and the progress of your contemporaries.”
This period of uncertainty persisted for nearly three years. Throughout this time, running emerged as the one element she was determined to maintain in her life.
“When other areas of your life feel unstable, you cling fiercely to the aspects where you can maintain control.”
Establishing We Run Nairobi also imposed significant financial burdens. Organizing weekly events across various neighborhoods, with participants traveling considerable distances, demanded substantial resources, time, and consistent effort. For an extended period, Chepkor personally funded the majority of these activities.
“This responsibility couldn’t indefinitely consume all my time without compensation,” she acknowledges. “The organization needed to demonstrate its viability as a sustainable enterprise to ensure its continuity beyond my involvement.”
Currently, corporate partnerships support the organization’s infrastructure, though Chepkor remains pragmatic about the lengthy process required to reach this point.
“The shift toward financial stability came somewhat later than the initial launch,” she observes. “I suppose that’s typical for most new initiatives.”
GROWTH AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
The concept is now extending beyond Nairobi’s borders. Communities from various regions of Kenya have begun inquiring about adapting this model in their local areas.
“We receive numerous inquiries about establishing similar groups in other parts of the nation,” she confirms. “However, the fundamental consideration remains long-term viability, as these communities must remain accessible at no cost.”
Each Saturday typically concludes with a DJ performance. By 10 am, the parking area converts into a dance venue where runners, still recovering from their exercise, share laughter, conversation, and rhythmic movements under the morning sun.
“We’re all clear-headed, dancing, and finding happiness through physical activity,” Chepkor observes. “This demonstrates that we as a continent can enjoy ourselves without alcohol. Our celebrations don’t need to be confined to nighttime.”
Chepkor has essentially transformed Nairobi’s thoroughfares into an open gym accessible to all. In a municipality where public parks and recreational areas remain scarce, this inclusivity holds particular significance.
Following the cool-down activities at Kofisi Square, participants don’t immediately disperse. They linger for coffee, social exchanges, and detailed conversations about the running routes, challenging inclines, and particularly demanding sections of their workout.
Nairobi has historically been most vibrant after sunset. Chepkor is advocating for a renewed appreciation for the early hours of the day.