📢 2026 Competition

Uzalendo Half Marathon 2026 Edition Essay Writing Competition

"Patriotism and Kenya's Digital Technology"

KES 40,000 Prize Pool

Deadline: 12th July 2026

Baringo County

Submit Your Essay Learn More

392+ Students Sponsored

70%+ University Enrollment

18th July Marathon 2026

Foundation Impact

The Eldama Ravine Education Foundation (EREF) has educated over 392 fully sponsored needy students from Baringo County at Uzalendo School. Our alumni have fitted into society as professionals and leaders across various sectors, including the digital economy which is currently defining Kenya's future. To secure further support for bright but financially challenged students at Uzalendo School, EREF has organized the Uzalendo Half Marathon 2026 Edition, taking place on Saturday 18th July 2026. To complement the Marathon, EREF is engaging primary, junior secondary and senior schools from Baringo County in this Essay Writing Competition on one component of the marathon, "Patriotism".

Understanding Patriotism

Patriotism is the special affection that one has for their own country. It can also be defined as a sense of personal identification that someone has with their country that makes them willing to sacrifice and promote the country's good.

This year's competition seeks essays which demonstrate the intersection of technology and patriotism — how digital tools foster national identity, shape geopolitical influence, and drive a rising ideology known as "digital patriotism" that champions local innovation and technological sovereignty.

Indicators of Patriotism

Loyalty to the Presidency as a unifying factor
Readiness to defend the Republic of Kenya
Respect for the supremacy of the Constitution
Appreciation to national symbols e.g. coat of arms and national flag
Spirit of volunteerism

Benefits of Patriotism

Unified approach in confronting external threats
Commitment to promoting national interest and sovereignty
Improved socio-economic and political development
A shared sense of belonging

Eligibility & Target Audience

This call for essays will preferably target students from Baringo County aged below 18 years. Students from Baringo County in the same age bracket from neighbouring schools are eligible to submit their best essays for assessment.

Evaluation Criteria

Relevance: Alignment with the topic
Authenticity: Original and innovative in addressing the topic without use of AI
Clarity: Clear and coherent presentation of ideas
Evidence: Use of credible sources and examples to support arguments
One Essay Submission: Only one essay submitted will be assessed
Verdict: The Assessment Panel's determination is final

                        Note: Essays submitted after the
                        deadline or use of AI will be REJECTED.
                    

Awards & Recognition

The top 10 essays for Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Schools will be awarded and celebrated during the Uzalendo Half Marathon 2026:

Position	Cash Prize	Certificate	Additional Rewards
1st Place	KES 10,000	Certificate of Excellence	Publication on official EREF/Uzalendo website & media partners, spotlight reading during awards ceremony, branded T-shirt and cap
2nd Place	KES 8,000	Certificate of Distinction	Publication on official social media platforms, branded T-shirt
3rd Place	KES 6,000	Certificate of Recognition	Branded T-shirt
4th Place	KES 4,000	Certificate of Participation	Branded T-shirt
5th-10th Places	KES 2,000 each	Certificate of Participation	Branded T-shirt

Submission Guidelines

Title: Must be concise and relevant to the submitted essay
Length: 250-300 words (minus spaces)
Format: Submissions should be in PDF format, typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-spaced for Grade 10 and Forms 3 & 4. For Primary and Junior Secondary School, essays should be legibly handwritten in not more than two pages and clearly scanned for submission via e-mail
Language: English
Identity: Indicate your full name, school, grade/form, name of class teacher and a reliable contact, to enable the Assessors to contact you
Deadline: All submissions must be received by 12th July 2026 at midnight
Submission Channel: Essays should be strictly submitted as an attachment through uzalendoessays@gmail.com, copying uzalendohalfmarathon@gmail.com

                        Note: Essays submitted after the
                        deadline or use of AI will be REJECTED.
                    

Data Protection

The Assessment Panel shall observe due diligence and ensure that data protection and information security are in place whenever personal data is processed during the essay assessment. Personal data is only stored for purposes of the Essay Writing Competition and Prize Awards.

Essential Timelines

Milestone	Date
Essay Writing Competition Advertisement	30th June - 12th July 2026
Deadline for Essay Submission	Midnight, 12th July 2026
Assessment of Essays	13th - 14th July 2026
Announcement of Winners via EREF website	15th July 2026
Social Media Voting to the best 27 essays (EREF X & Facebook)	15th - 17th July 2026
Award of Winners by the Marathon Chief Guest	18th July 2026

Submission Channels

Email: uzalendoessays@gmail.com

CC: uzalendohalfmarathon@gmail.com

Online Portal: www.ereffoundation.org

Join us in celebrating patriotism and Kenya's digital future through the power of student voice and creativity.

📝 Our Marathon

date: Saturday, 18th July 2026