Thirteen students from Starehe Boys Centre have resumed a 1,100-kilometre charity cycling challenge, leaving Nairobi on Wednesday for the final leg of their journey to Mombasa.
The riders arrived in Nairobi on Monday, August 10, after completing the first stretch from Busia. They took Tuesday to rest and recover before setting off again as they seek to raise KSh10 million for the Starehe Boys Centre education fund.
The Dr. Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Charity Bikeathon began on August 3 and is being held in honour of the late Geoffrey Griffin, the founder of Starehe Boys Centre and a strong advocate for education and opportunities for young people.
The cyclists have been covering about 100 kilometres a day, with the route testing their endurance through hills, heat, traffic, changing road conditions and fatigue.
Ian Hicho, the team’s Technical Director and Coach and an Old Starehian, said the challenge was designed to build resilience and discipline among the students.
“This is a character-building adventure. In class, you learn many things theoretically, but on the road, you experience them for yourself.”
Hicho said the students underwent months of physical and mental preparation, including long-distance training, to prepare them for the demands of cycling for several consecutive days.
For the students, the experience has provided lessons in perseverance and leadership. Form Three student Fidel Alfred Odhiambo said the difficult climbs had tested the riders’ determination but reinforced their commitment to completing the journey.
Team captain Ian Stanley said leading the group had taught him that leadership goes beyond being at the front.
“Leadership is not just about being in front; it is about making sure everyone gets to the destination,” he said.
Grade 10 student Marklus Kazungu said the priority was to ensure that all riders reached Mombasa safely while fulfilling the fundraising objective.
The Bikeathon has attracted support from several partners, including Vivo Energy Kenya, which operates the Shell service station network. The company has provided stopover points, refreshments, logistical assistance and other support along the route.
Mark Senteu, Commercial Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya and a former Starehe student, said the partnership reflects the importance of supporting education and youth empowerment.
Emergency response teams from St. John Ambulance are also accompanying the riders, providing safety and medical support during the journey.
At Starehe Boys Centre, the Bikeathon is seen as more than a fundraising campaign. Fred Okono, Director of Starehe Boys’ Centre, said the initiative aims to strengthen students’ self-esteem, character, spirit of service, and ability to work as a team.
The fundraising drive remains open to members of the public, Starehe alumni, and other well-wishers supporting the education fund.
The riders are expected to arrive in Mombasa on Sunday, August 16, completing the 1,100-kilometre challenge and helping raise resources to expand educational opportunities for future Starehe students