Jubilee Insurance, in partnership with the Grand Nairobi Bike Race (GNBR), has unveiled the third edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 29th September 2024.
This prestigious international cycling event will converge in Nairobi City, attracting up to 2,500 elite cyclists from 21 countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, the USA, France, and other East African nations.
The Jubilee Live Free Race aims to harness the spirit of cycling to promote awareness of health, financial planning, and sustainable practices. The event will feature discussions on the significance of prioritizing health, understanding insurance, and managing financial risk, alongside promoting environmental sustainability.
Addressing the urgent global issues of climate change, pollution, health challenges, and financial instability, the event aligns with findings from a 2023 World Health Organization and World Bank report. The report indicated that over one billion people, about 14 percent of the global population, faced significant out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, pushing approximately 1.3 billion individuals into or deeper into poverty. Additionally, the Global Findex Report highlighted that only 41 percent of adults in East Africa are financially resilient, emphasizing the need for increased financial literacy and stability.
Jubilee Insurance’s recent thematic campaign, “There’s Living and There’s Living Free,” complements the event by aiming to enhance individuals’ understanding of investment and insurance solutions. As the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, Jubilee Insurance has invested a total of KES 20 million into the race—KES 10 million in cash and an additional KES 10 million in advertising and promotion. Since the partnership began in 2022, Jubilee Insurance has contributed KES 60 million to the event.
Jubilee Insurance Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Caroline Ndungu with Grand Nairobi Bike Race Directors Loise Wachira and Desmond Wachira during the launch of the 3rd Edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race.
Caroline Ndungu, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Jubilee Insurance, highlighted that the event aligns with the company’s brand promise to enable people to live life to the fullest. “Our brand promise is centered on enabling people to live free, and this event naturally ties in with that vision. We are excited about the third edition, not only for the platform it provides for competition and fun but also for its role in fostering conversations that inspire behavioral change and drive meaningful societal impact. We look forward to raising the profile of this event with the ambition of transforming it into a Tour de Kenya, reflecting our commitment to its continued growth and impact,” said Ndungu.
The 2024 Jubilee Live Free Race will feature six categories, including the flagship 60 km main race, a 12 km family fun ride, the popular 48 km black mamba ride, a 2 km kiddies’ race, a 48 km para-cycling race, and a 60 km team race for teams of six riders. The race will commence at Nyayo Stadium and navigate through Uhuru Highway and other designated routes. Detailed route maps will be provided to participants upon registration.
Juan Cazcarra, Group Chief Operating Officer at Jubilee Insurance, emphasized the alignment of the event with the company’s goals of promoting health, sustainability, and financial wellness. “As a company committed to making a difference, the Jubilee Live Free Race aligns with our broader goals of promoting health, sustainability, and financial wellness. We are confident that the 2024 edition will strengthen our partnerships with key stakeholders who share our vision, while also helping people lead healthier, more sustainable, and financially secure lives,” said Cazcarra.
Dr. Julius Kipngetich, Group Chief Executive Officer at Jubilee Insurance, expressed pride in hosting the event. “This event always creates an exciting time for cycling enthusiasts and families alike. We are proud to host the 2024 edition and leverage it to contribute to issues of both national and global significance. It’s an opportunity for us to engage with our community while addressing critical challenges through our shared commitment to health, sustainability, and positive change,” Kipngetich stated.
Loise Wachira, Director at Grand Nairobi Bike Race, noted the impact of the previous editions and the anticipated excitement for this year’s race. “The last two editions of the Jubilee Live Free Race have made a significant impact, and this year, we are excited to present an even more thrilling event. This year’s race will not only offer cyclists a chance to showcase their skills and be recognized for their achievements but also provide families with memorable opportunities to bond and participate in engaging activities. We look forward to further engaging our communities as we continue our efforts to make a positive contribution towards making the world a better place,” said Wachira.
John Cheboi, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), expressed support for the event’s values and its collaboration with Jubilee Insurance and GNBR. “It has been an enriching experience collaborating with Jubilee Insurance and the Grand Nairobi Bike Race over the past two years. We fully support what this race represents and the values it promotes, and we are committed to continuing our support to ensure its ongoing success,” Cheboi said