MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug 17 — Thirteen students from Starehe Boys Centre have completed a 1,100-kilometre charity bike ride from Busia to Mombasa, raising funds for the school’s education fund.
The students began the Dr Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Charity Bikeathon on August 3 and cycled through 19 counties before arriving in Mombasa on Sunday.
The challenge aims to raise Sh10 million in support of education at Starehe Boys Centre and Starehe Girls Centre, while honouring the legacy of Starehe founder Geoffrey Griffin.
The riders reached Nairobi on August 10, where they took a day’s rest before continuing with the final leg to Mombasa.
Team coach and Old Starehian Ian Hicho said the journey tested the riders physically and mentally, with changing road conditions, rain, hills, heavy trucks and fatigue along the route.
“It has been a crazy ride, with everything you can imagine: hills, descents, rain, dust, trucks and more trucks. But thankfully, the entire team is well and we have made it to Mombasa,” Hicho said.
He said the students underwent months of physical and mental preparation before taking on the challenge.
“You cannot just wake up and ride 1,100 kilometres. The preparation started months ago, with physical training, long-distance rides and mental preparation,” he said.
Team leader Leo Stanley said the Nairobi-Mombasa leg was among the most challenging because of strong coastal winds.
“Never give up. The Nairobi to Mombasa leg was probably the most challenging part of the journey for me,” Stanley said.
The students also raised concerns about road safety, particularly the risks posed by heavy trucks sharing the road with cyclists.
Stanley called for greater investment in cycling infrastructure, including dedicated cycling lanes, as well as increased awareness among motorists.
“We would urge the government to invest in more cycling infrastructure, including dedicated cycling lanes, and to educate drivers and other road users,” he said.
Vivo Energy Kenya supported the cyclists by providing stopover points, refreshments and logistical assistance through its Shell service station network.
St John Ambulance also provided medical and safety support throughout the journey. All 13 students and the technical team completed the ride without reported accidents or incidents.
Starehe Boys Centre Deputy Director Evans Njoro said the challenge was designed to give students lessons in teamwork, leadership and service beyond the classroom.
“We hope they take away three things: the self-esteem and character that comes from taking on a major challenge, a sense of service and self-sacrifice, and the importance of team spirit,” Njoro said.
The fundraising campaign remains open, with the organisers seeking to reach the Sh10 million target. Hicho said slightly more than Sh1 million had been raised by the time the riders arrived in Mombasa.
“Our target is Sh10 million and we are currently slightly above Sh1 million, but the fundraising journey is still open,” he said.
The Bikeathon was held in memory of Geoffrey Griffin, whose work at Starehe Boys Centre focused on providing education and opportunities for young people.
