One of Kenya’s longest cycling events officially kicked off from Mombasa to Busia, as 40 cyclists began a gruelling 1,150-kilometer journey to raise awareness about arthritis and funds to build a modern arthritis clinic in Likuyani Sub-county.
The ride, sponsored by World Bicycle Relief (WBR), will traverse some of the country’s most iconic landscapes uniting communities in a shared mission to improve access to healthcare and promote mobility as a tool for change.
The ride aims to address the growing burden of arthritis in Kenya, where thousands of people—many in rural areas—live with the condition.
The funds raised will go toward constructing a dedicated modern arthritis clinic to provide specialized care, a critical resource for those affected by this chronic and often debilitating disease.
‘’Funds raised so far through this initiative have helped in constructing Phase 1 of arthritis clinic, on a 9-acre land. This ride Is not just about the kilometers we cover; it’s about the lives we touch and the awareness we create for better healthcare access,” says Moses Ogola, Chair of the Arthritis Ride.
Arthritis, one of Kenya’s most common chronic illnesses, affects thousands of people. Despite its prevalence, treatment options remain limited, particularly in rural areas. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, disproportionately impacts older adults and individuals in underserved communities where access to specialized care is limited.
According to WHO Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, affecting a person’s ability to move freely.
As of 2019, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis; an increase of 113% since 1990.
The new arthritis clinic in Likuyani aims to bridge this gap by providing specialized care, education, and support for patients.
“The statistics are sobering, but this ride is about hope,” said Moses Ogola, Chair of the Arthritis Ride. “We are cycling to ensure that arthritis patients, particularly those in rural areas, can access the treatment and support they need.
The clinic in Likuyani will offer diagnostic services, treatment, and education to help patients manage arthritis and improve their quality of life. It will also bridge the health gap, offering essential services such as diagnosis, treatment, and patient education.
“We are honored to support this cycling event. The Arthritis Ride showcases not only the impact of buffalo bicycles but also the power of collective action to address critical healthcare needs like arthritis,” says Maureen Kolenyo, Regional Director for East Africa at World Bicycle Relief.
Some of the cyclists are riding Buffalo Bicycles from World Bicycle Relief, chosen for their durability and capacity to handle Kenya’s diverse and challenging terrains.
These bicycles symbolize resilience and sustainability, aligning perfectly with the goals of the Arthritis Ride.
World Bicycle Relief has distributed over 77,000 Buffalo Bicycles in Kenya since 2010, empowering healthcare workers, students, and small business owners to overcome mobility challenges.
In healthcare alone, WBR has equipped 19,407 health workers, enabling them to increase patient visits by up to 35%, reach underserved areas faster, and save countless lives.
“Mobility is key to solving healthcare challenges, especially in rural areas where the challenge of distance often stands between patients and life-saving care. By empowering communities with bicycles, we’re not just providing a means of transport—we’re bridging the gap and bringing healthcare closer to those who need it most.‘’ Says Maureen Kolenyo, Regional Director for East Africa at World Bicycle Relief
Cycling is not only a mode of transport but also a path to better health. Studies show regular cycling improves joint mobility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. The Arthritis Ride underscores the role of cycling in both promoting fitness and raising awareness about arthritis prevention and management.
The cyclists will traverse key towns, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Kitale, before concluding in Busia. Along the route, they will stop at Buffalo Bicycle shops to engage with local communities, sharing the vision of a healthier Kenya and demonstrating the power of mobility solutions.
“Apart from health benefits, we are cycling to promote a cycling culture that has a positive impact on climate change, as well as managing finances through cutting transportation costs among low-income earners who cover long distances to their places of work or learning institutions,’’ says Moses Ogola, Chair of the Arthritis Ride.
