Joseph Nyaga from Simba Sports Club emerged as the overall winner of the Sokoke Forest MTB three-day Challenge, delivering an impressive performance across all three stages of the grueling race.
Held in the scenic and biodiversity-rich Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi County, Kenya, the event tested riders with a mix of technical trails, sandy sections, and endurance-demanding distances.
Nyaga demonstrated consistency and tactical brilliance, maintaining top positions in each stage and ultimately securing the lowest cumulative time. His victory highlights his growing dominance in Kenya’s mountain biking scene and cements his status as a formidable competitor in endurance cycling events.
Nyaga’s win not only brings him personal acclaim but also inspires upcoming cyclists in Kenya to pursue the sport at a professional level.
Overall winners
Men
- Joseph Nyaga
- Titus Mwangi
- Ephantus Gicheru
Ladies
- Margaret Mutriku
- Joyce Marra
- Jamila Abdulla
The winners walked away with cash prizes and trophies.
15km family fun ride
The event also attracted 60 enthusiastic children, aged 5 to 14, who took part in the 15km family fun ride. The event was filled with energy and excitement as young riders enjoyed the adventure, built confidence, and celebrated cycling in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
First place girls
1st Ann Waceke
2nd Nasra Masud
3rd Purity Kadzo
Boys
1st Julian Garosa
2nd Israel Wahenya
3rd Ayman Abubaker
Veteran cyclist David Kinja said the number of child participants has grown over the years. He applauded the organisers and parents for stepping up and encouraging the next generation to take part in this sporting activity.
Heat, sandy trails and stiff competition
Meanwhile, Nairobi’s Simba Sports Club team comprising Joseph Nyaga Karua, Ephantus Gicheru, and Titus Mwangi delivered a commanding performance to emerge victorious in the grueling 80-kilometre Sokoke MTB Challenge held in Watamu, Kilifi County, on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
The trio tied with a time of 2:59:28, with David Kinja coming fourth.
Battling heat, sandy trails, and stiff competition, the trio crossed the finish line to cheers from spectators, cementing their place as some of the country’s rising mountain biking talents.
The annual race, set against the scenic yet demanding terrain surrounding the Arabuko Forest, attracted a total of 101 participants from across Kenya and beyond. Riders navigated a mix of rugged forest paths, coastal tracks, and winding village routes, testing endurance and technical skill in equal measure.
Speaking after the win, Karua credited preparation and teamwork for the victory. “This course is never easy — the sand slows you down and the forest demands focus. I’m proud we have finished strong,” he said.
Beyond the competition, the Sokoke MTB Challenge continues to grow as a platform for social impact. Proceeds from the event will go toward educating children living around the Arabuko Forest through the Assets Program, an initiative aimed at improving access to schooling and educational resources in the region.
Event organisers praised the turnout and the spirit of the participants, noting that the blend of sport and community support is what makes the challenge unique. “Every rider here is contributing to something bigger,” one organiser remarked. “It’s not just about winning — it’s about giving children a better future.”
The three-day challenge attracted a competitive field of local and international riders, all navigating the forest’s unique terrain while also promoting eco-tourism and conservation awareness in the region.
Spectators were treated to a vibrant atmosphere, with local vendors, cultural displays, and enthusiastic crowds lining parts of the route. As the sun set over Watamu, the event closed on a high note, celebrating both athletic achievement and a shared commitment to community development.
With its growing popularity, the Sokoke MTB Challenge is fast becoming a highlight on Kenya’s sporting calendar — where endurance meets purpose, and every pedal stroke counts toward changing lives.
