A group of ten students from Starehe Boys Centre is undertaking a challenging 18-day cycling journey across Kenya to raise funds for needy learners at their school. The initiative, known as the Starehe Bikerthon, started in Busia and will cover approximately 1,100 kilometres before concluding in Mombasa.

Purpose and Support

The main goal of the campaign is to ensure that no deserving student misses out on quality education at Starehe Boys Centre due to a lack of school fees. The funds raised will support the Griffin Memorial Endowment Trust, which has already provided financial aid to over 16,000 talented but underprivileged students.

Evans Njoro, deputy director of Starehe Boys Centre, explained that this ride symbolizes the school founder Dr. Geoffrey William Griffin’s enduring vision to give needy boys access to quality education, a legacy that continues 66 years after the school’s establishment. The initiative receives strong backing from the school’s alumni and well-wishers.

Route and Progress

The cycling team began their journey in Busia, making key stopovers in Bungoma, Eldoret, Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Nairobi, and finally Likoni, Mombasa. Despite facing unpredictable weather and the dangers of cycling on busy public roads, the students remain determined and enthusiastic.

One of the students, Sifa Benson, emphasized, “We are cycling to make sure that no student misses the chance to study at Starehe Boys Centre for lack of school fees.”

Challenges and Call for Support

The journey has not been without difficulties. Geoffrey Wangila, an alumnus and part of the cycling team, highlighted the physical challenges and traffic risks the students have faced. He called on alumni and well-wishers to support the cyclists at every stopover and donate generously to the Griffin Endowment Trust.

Looking Ahead

This year’s Starehe Bikerthon marks the first of what is expected to be an ongoing series of fundraising campaigns. Plans are already in motion to expand the initiative next year with a focus on raising funds to fully sponsor incoming students in need.

The Starehe Bikerthon is more than just a cycling adventure—it is a powerful call to action to support education and empower Kenya’s vulnerable youth.