A team of 35 cyclists from eight African countries has arrived in Machakos as part of an ambitious 55-day, 6,400-kilometre cycling expedition aimed at promoting regional integration, peace, climate action and tourism. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
A team of 35 cyclists from eight African countries has arrived in Machakos as part of an ambitious 55-day, 6,400-kilometre cycling expedition aimed at promoting regional integration, peace, climate action and tourism.
The cyclists, travelling under the Great Africa Cycling Safari, began their journey in Kampala, Uganda, and are now on Day 13 of the expedition.
The riders will continue through Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda before returning to Kampala, completing a circuit across the five East African capitals.
The expedition brings together cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the growing role of sport in connecting communities across the continent.
The riders range in age from 18 to 61, with the group including three women and a cyclist living with a disability.
While in Machakos, the team launched a community cycling programme and a carbon-credit initiative at Machakos University, further expanding the expedition’s focus beyond cycling.
The annual campaign, now in its ninth consecutive year, seeks to use cycling as a platform to promote environmental conservation, raise awareness about climate change, showcase local tourism and strengthen ties among East African communities.
Expedition Manager John Baptist said the annual journey is designed to strengthen regional integration, promote peace, raise awareness about climate change and showcase local tourism.
The riders, aged between 18 and 61, include three women and one cyclist living with a disability. They come from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking in Machakos after the team launched a community cycling programme and carbon-credit initiative at Machakos University, Coordinator Julius Mwenda said the campaign has entered its ninth consecutive year, reflecting the group’s sustained commitment to using cycling to drive social and environmental change.
Lawrence Matolo, Chair of the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) South Eastern Branch, and Prof. Joyce Agalo, Chancellor of Machakos University, praised the initiative, describing it as an example of grassroots innovation in addressing climate change.
The journey is expected to conclude in Kampala after 55 days, marking another chapter in the cyclists’ efforts to use endurance sport as a tool for regional unity and sustainable development.
