Former Kenyan athlete Beatrice Murugi once competed at a high level in Japan, using her earnings from athletics to improve the lives of her family.

Today, the former professional runner is surviving through tea picking and casual jobs in Kirinyaga as she deals with a long-running health problem that has affected her ability to work.
Murugi’s story recently drew public attention after philanthropists highlighted her situation on social media.

From Nyahururu to Japan

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Murugi’s athletic journey began after a village elder noticed her talent and helped her travel to Japan in 2009.
Former Professional Marathoner Beatrice Murugi // Facebook
She completed her secondary education there before developing her running career.
By 2012, Murugi was competing professionally. Records from Japan Running News show her competing for Toyota Jidoshokki and taking part in several track and road events.
In one 2013 competition, she won the women’s 1,500m in 4:27.88.
She also finished a 10km road race in 32:36 later that year.
Her earnings allowed her to support the people closest to her.
Reports say she bought land in Nyahururu, built a house for her mother and helped educate her siblings.

A business investment turns costly.

After her athletics career, Murugi invested some of her earnings in a lorry, hoping it would provide another source of income.
The plan, however, took an unexpected turn when the vehicle was involved in a fatal accident near the Del Monte area.
According to reports, the vehicle’s insurance had lapsed without Murugi’s knowledge, leaving her facing significant financial responsibilities connected to the accident.
The setback reportedly consumed much of what she had built during her years as an athlete.

Health problems affect her ability to work.

Murugi’s situation became more difficult when she began experiencing severe abdominal swelling.
Reports differ slightly on when the condition began, placing its onset around late 2020 or 2021. She sought treatment at different hospitals, but the problem persisted.
The condition has made physically demanding work difficult.
She is now reported to be living in Githioro, near Kerugoya, in a one-room rental house costing about KSh1,000 per month.
She has also been relying on tea picking and other casual work to provide for her 10-year-old child.
Beatrice Murugi And Her 10 Year Old Child // Facebook

Well-wishers step in

Murugi’s situation attracted wider attention after Nungari shared her story on Facebook on September 9.
People from the Kerugoya area subsequently visited her, while local officials also reportedly became involved.
A rescue team later took Murugi to Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
Doctors have reportedly recommended surgery, while well-wishers have been supporting her medical care and helping with her child’s needs.
The attention has also renewed calls for Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports to look into her situation.
For Murugi, whose running career once took her from Nyahururu to Japan and into professional competition, the latest chapter is a stark contrast to her years on the track.
Her story has also raised questions about the support available to athletes after they leave competitive sport.