Kenyan cyclist pedals from Cairo to Cape Town to fund education for needy students
His mission is to raise Sh100 million to fund education for 100 students at Starehe Boys Centre and Starehe Girls Centre, schools he holds close to his heart.
A Kenyan cyclist, Ian Mwangi, has entered the Nairobi-Cape Town phase of his ambitious journey from Cairo to Cape Town.
His mission is to raise Sh100 million to fund education for 100 students at Starehe Boys Centre and Starehe Girls Centre, schools he holds close to his heart.
Mwangi, an alumnus of Starehe Boys Centre, began his journey on November 1, in Cairo and aims to complete the 10,800-kilometre ride by December 31. As of now, he has covered approximately 4,070 kilometres in over 20 days.
"I am riding 10,800 kilometres from Cairo to Cape Town to raise Sh100 million for 50 boys and 50 girls in the Starehe schools. The idea is that the money we raise will be invested in the students who'll live off the interest forever," he said during an interview with Nation at Sultan Hamud, Makueni County.
The journey has not been without challenges. He described the initial stretch as the toughest, citing severe heat waves, communication barriers, and traffic chaos in Egypt.
Mwangi also experienced harassment from authorities and faced security concerns in Ethiopia, where he feared abduction in certain regions.
Due to instability in Sudan, he opted to fly over the country. "In Egypt, we suffered heat wave attacks and harassment by authorities. We also endured a communication barrier because they do not use English. The traffic is crazy. The challenges in Egypt paled when compared to the fear of abduction in some parts of Ethiopia," he said.
"We expect smooth sailing in the remaining phase of the challenge."
Despite these difficulties, Mwangi expressed joy at returning to Kenya, where he found warmth and support. “When I arrived in Moyale Township, I almost kissed Kenyan soil. Nothing compares to the freedom of being at home. In Kenya, you can cycle day and night without worrying about your security. This is priceless. We should not take it for granted.”
A seasoned cyclist and graphic designer, Mwangi has long been dedicated to raising funds for underprivileged students. In 2019, during Starehe Boys School's 60th anniversary, he cycled from Busia to Mombasa to support a similar cause.
This latest ride is part of broader fundraising efforts by the Old Starehian Society (OSS), which include a dinner, a walk, and a local cycling race. Proceeds will support the Griffin Memorial Endowment Trust, which funds scholarships for needy students.
Justice Nzioki Makau, president of OSS, emphasised the importance of these initiatives.
"It takes Sh1,000,000 to sponsor a student at Starehe schools in perpetuity. When we were leaving, (Starehe Boys School director Geofrey) Griffins told us that when we have an opportunity, we should make it possible for others to enjoy the same benefits we did. Ian is living up to that," he explained.
Mwangi’s efforts have already secured perpetual sponsorships for ten students at Starehe schools.
He frequently shares updates on his progress via social media, appealing for further support while celebrating milestones.
“Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards,” he said on his X account, summing up the determination behind his remarkable journey.
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