Mombasa Steps Up for Little Hearts as Clergy Lead Mater Heart Run
Funds raised from the event will support surgeries, post-operative care and follow-up clinics at Mater Hospital in Nairobi.
By Ruth Sang
Hundreds of residents in Mombasa on Saturday turned up for the 2026 Mater Heart Run, joining families, schools, corporate teams and church groups in a nationwide campaign aimed at raising funds for children in need of life-saving heart surgeries.
The event, held at Loreto Convent Mombasa, was flagged off by Martin Kivuva Musonde and Dominic Kimengich, who called on Kenyans to continue supporting vulnerable children suffering from heart conditions.
Archbishop Kivuva described the initiative as an expression of compassion and solidarity with children battling cardiac illnesses.
“Every step taken today is a step closer to giving a child a second chance at life,” he said.
Archbishop Kimengich, who recently assumed office as Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa with the right of succession, said he was honoured to participate in one of his first major public engagements at the Coast region through a cause dedicated to saving children’s lives.
He said the event not only raises awareness about childhood heart disease but also mobilises resources to assist needy families who cannot afford specialised treatment.
The official speech was delivered by Sr Virginia Kasai on behalf of Mater Misericordiae Hospital Chief Executive Officer Sr Dr Mary Ngui, who thanked sponsors, partners and supporters for standing with the hospital’s mission of offering cardiac care to vulnerable children.
In the speech, the hospital appealed to Kenyans to continue responding to this year’s theme, “Please Touch My Heart,” by supporting children in need of surgery and treatment.
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This worthy cause is pegged on the Sisters of Mercy ethos and mission of bringing God’s mercy to the less privileged in society and making their lives better,” the statement read.
Mater Hospital said that since the launch of its cardiac programme in 1995, a total of 6,293 children have benefited from treatment through support received from donors and participants.
The hospital further revealed that in 2025 alone, 505 children underwent treatment through contributions made during the annual charity initiative.
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Just pause and imagine the impact you have made on these children, who are now living normal and productive lives,” the statement added.
Organisers noted that testimonies from beneficiaries continue to demonstrate the life-changing impact of the programme and urged participants to walk and run with purpose.
The Mombasa event formed part of a nationwide run held across 11 counties, with organisers targeting to raise Sh150 million to facilitate more than 450 surgeries for children currently on the waiting list.
Participants took part in 5km and 10km races through the city as schools, churches and companies turned up in matching T-shirts and banners in support of the initiative.
Funds raised from the event will support surgeries, post-operative care and follow-up clinics at Mater Hospital in Nairobi.
The Mater Heart Run has grown into one of Kenya’s most recognised charity events, raising more than Sh108 million in 2024 and helping over 400 children receive treatment.
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