This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
On Sunday, the city of Nairobi will witness its first-ever Grand Nairobi Bike Race at the Uhuru Gardens, with over 500 cyclists participating in the event.
The race, which has been organized by Exigent Limited in partnership with their sponsors, will feature three categories: family fun ride (10km), main race (70km), and black mamba (35km). The organizers have promised a total of half a million shillings in prize money to the winners in the main race and black mamba categories.
Motorists have been warned of slight traffic interruptions in the capital as roads will be closed during the race. The affected roads include part of Uhuru Highway from Lusaka roundabout, Bunyala roundabout to Haile Selassie roundabout, Langata Road, Mbagathi Way, and Nairobi West.
Speaking during the launch of the event in Nairobi yesterday, Race coordinator Loise Wachira emphasized the aim of the race, which is to transform Nairobi into a travel destination.
"We want to prove that such a race can happen in Nairobi and make it more of a destination and not a travelling city. Just like the Standard Marathon we want tourists to come and use cycling to visit other areas," said Wachira.
Officer-in-charge of Traffic Nairobi Area Joshua Omukata assured of adequate security for the race, which will start at 8am.
"We are in full support of this noble activity. Participants are assured of security," said Omukata.
The launch was graced by KURA Assistant Director Corporate Communication John Cheboi, Kenya Cycling Federation officials Kelvin Mwangi and Angela Achieng, Desmond Momanyi (Race Director) and Nick Langford.
