Safaricom has committed KES 1 million to sponsor the Dr. Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Bike-A-Thon, a two-leg cycling challenge organised by Starehe Boys’ Centre to honour the institution’s founder while promoting youth empowerment, education, and community service.
Honouring a visionary legacy
The annual Bike-A-Thon celebrates the life and work of Dr. Geoffrey W. Griffin, the visionary who co-founded Starehe Boys’ Centre in 1959. The Centre, which began as a rescue home for boys displaced by Kenya’s independence struggle, has grown into a leading institution providing quality education to bright but needy students.
Two-leg cycling challenge
The event features two cycling segments covering hundreds of kilometres across Kenya.
First Leg (August 2–11): Busia to Nairobi, with stopovers in Bungoma, Eldoret, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, and Mai Mahiu.
Second Leg (August 18–24): Nairobi to Mombasa, passing through Emali, Mtito Andei, Voi, and Samburu.
The team comprises 10 Form 3 students from Starehe Boys’ Centre, selected through a competitive process, riding alongside professional cyclists, alumni, and mentors. A full support crew, including nutritionists, medical staff, logistics experts, and media teams, accompanies them.
Safaricom’s support for youth and sports
“We are proud to partner with Starehe for this inspiring event. Watching these young riders push themselves across towns and counties has been a powerful reminder of the values that unite us. Supporting it reflects our commitment to empowering youth and fostering positive change across Kenya,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa.
Funds raised from the Bike-A-Thon will be channelled towards scholarships and infrastructure development at the Centre, ensuring continued access to education for deserving students.
Students riding for a cause
Mohamed Mohamud, one of the student cyclists, expressed gratitude for Safaricom’s support:
“The first leg has pushed me beyond what I thought I could achieve, but it’s a powerful reminder that we are riding for a purpose. We are grateful to Safaricom for believing in us and making this journey possible.”
Dr. Griffin’s vision of transforming lives through education continues to inspire decades later. By sponsoring the Bike-A-Thon, Safaricom not only supports a sporting event but also reinforces a tradition of service, resilience, and community impact that has shaped generations of Kenyan leaders.