The Grand Nairobi Bike Race 2025 is gearing up for its biggest edition yet, with organizers targeting 8,000 riders and a stronger focus on sustainable mobility and climate action.
This year’s event, scheduled for October 5 at the Nyayo Stadium closed track, will bring together cycling enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and international participants in what has become Africa’s largest cycling event.
The first coordination meeting, held on August 13, 2025, at CIFOR-ICRAF in Gigiri, brought together key stakeholders including Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), UNEP-Africa Office, CIFOR-ICRAF, the Kenya Meteorology Department and the race’s organizing team.
In the particular meeting, the discussions focused on aligning sustainability partnerships, enhancing awareness on clean transport solutions, and finalizing event logistics.
Cycling for Climate and Community
Since its inception in 2018, the Grand Nairobi Bike Race has grown into a continental attraction, with the 2024 edition drawing 2,500 participants and riders from countries such as Uganda, which sent a delegation of 100 cyclists.
The race features diverse categories including differently abled riders, Black Mambas, a kiddies track, family fun rides, and wheelchair participants.
Beyond sport, the event’s corporate social responsibility programs have delivered tangible impact, from constructing school kitchens to tree planting initiatives that have benefited more than 8,000 pupils.
This year, the organizers plan to leverage the race to promote sustainable transport, air quality improvement, and healthy lifestyles — aligning closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 11, and 17.
Roam’s green mobility drive
The leading electric mobility firm, Roam is expected to play a central role in the sustainability strategy. The firm has proposed providing electric motorcycles and buses for race operations, setting up awareness booths, and offering test rides to showcase clean transport options.
In partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Roam will also facilitate real-time environmental data displays — including air quality and heat index readings — during the event.
According to the meeting resolutions, a dedicated Sustainability Team will be formed to coordinate green initiatives. Organizers also intend to maximize brand visibility for sustainability partners while reinforcing the race’s CSR connection with local communities and schools.
A strategic sporting date
The October 5 date has been chosen to coincide with the UCI 2025 World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, in hopes of attracting elite African riders and boosting the race’s profile on the continental cycling calendar.
With roads closed to traffic and strong logistical backing from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Nairobi County Government, traffic police, and cycling marshals, the event is expected to provide both a safe and environmentally conscious experience for participants and spectators alike.
If successful, the 2025 Grand Nairobi Bike Race will set a new participation record and cement its position as a model for blending high-profile sports events with impactful climate action.
