The baton had arrived in Nairobi earlier that week, continuing its journey through Africa on the way to the Commonwealth Games. From the outset, the energy, colour and unity that define Kenyan sport were on full display. 

Hosted at the British Council and organised in partnership with the British High Commission and Commonwealth Games Kenya, the unveiling event brought together elite and para-athletes, school pupils, community leaders and invited guests. 

Deputy British High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett and CGA Kenya President Dr Paul Tergat led the formal proceedings, joined by Secretary General Francis Mutuku and Athlete Representative Humphrey Kayange. Following the unveiling, the baton was carried in a symbolic relay walk through Nairobi, moving from the British Council offices to the historic Nairobi Club with a police escort. 

At the Tennis Centre Court Grounds of the club, Dr Barnett passed the baton to Dr Tergat, who in turn handed it to the athletes. The moment marked a powerful connection between Kenya’s sporting heritage and its aspirations for Glasgow 2026. 

On Friday 18 July, the baton travelled to Kibera for a day of community celebration at Olympic Primary School. More than 300 pupils from Olympic and neighbouring Toi Primary School joined in a full day of activities including Zumba, tug of war, relay races and cultural performances. Every child had a chance to see and interact with the baton.  

As the day progressed, energy levels soared and the atmosphere reached a joyful peak with a Colour Splash. Students released coloured powders representing the vibrant tones of the Commonwealth Sport logo and the Glasgow 2026 identity, turning the school field into a living canvas of celebration. 

The visit to Kibera also supported the Commonwealth’s Clean Oceans campaign, which aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering the world’s waterways. In partnership with Mtaa Safi Initiative, a community-based organisation working to improve hygiene and public health in Nairobi’s informal settlements, CGA Kenya organised a clean-up in Kibera.  

Together with local residents and volunteers, the team focused on clearing drainage channels feeding into the Nairobi River. Environmental education was also part of the day’s agenda, as pupils and staff learned about the long-term impact of plastic pollution and the importance of civic responsibility. 

A second clean-up was held in Lamu, a coastal town located four to five hours from Nairobi. There, CGA Kenya worked alongside Flipflopi, an East African environmental movement that builds boats from recycled plastic and champions sustainable, circular economy solutions. Volunteers collected litter and raised awareness about the threat plastic waste poses to marine life. Both clean-up operations contributed to the regional impact of the Clean Oceans campaign, which has already seen more than 169,000 pieces of plastic removed across Africa. 

Kenya’s baton stood out for its distinctive local design, crafted by artist Sydney Kimiywi. As with every baton in the relay, the original piece was handcrafted in Glasgow before being customised in each nation. Kimiywi’s design featured the hand-carved words “Kenya” and “Celebrate” etched into the wooden surface, capturing the country’s vibrant sporting culture and joyful spirit. The design served as a powerful expression of local identity and national pride, with the baton becoming both a cultural artefact and a symbol of unity.

 Throughout the Kenyan leg of the relay, the baton was carried by student representatives from Olympic and Toi Primary Schools, as well as national athletes including sprinter Boniface Mweresa and para-rower Asiya Mohamed. The presence of local athletes and schoolchildren added meaning and inspiration to every step of the journey, connecting generations through sport and shared purpose. 

From the formal handover in the heart of Nairobi to the environmental action in Kibera and the coastal clean-up in Lamu, the baton’s time in Kenya was a vibrant showcase of creativity, sustainability and community engagement. As it continues its journey across the continent, it carries with it the stories and spirit of Kenya, a nation where sport unites people, celebrates culture and drives positive change.