NAIROBI (AFP) - Margaret Kenyatta, the wife of Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta will compete in the London marathon in April in a bid to raise money for local charity, her office said.

The Kenyan First Lady will join other celebrities in the Apr 13 race to create awareness on health issues facing Kenyan women and children.

To prepare for the event, Mrs Kenyatta has been training near her residence at State House in Nairobi, with former London marathon winner, Douglas Wakiihuri taking her through the paces.

She will test her race abilities when she competes in a half marathon in Nairobi on Mar 9, in a race she hopes to encourage other First Ladies in Africa to take part.

The London marathon has attracted a strong line-up of elite athletes from Kenya, including the women's defending champion Priscah Jeptoo.