How Rachel Ruto Plans To Popularise Cycling Among Kenyan Youths

First Lady Rachel Ruto on Wednesday, May 10 revealed that she would help increase the popularity of cycling as an alternative means of transport to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

Speaking in Jerusalem, Israel the First Lady revealed that this would be done through a programme under her foundation Mama Doing Good, dubbed MaMa Cycling.

The programme will explore the possibility of introducing similar programmes in Kenya to encourage more young people to take up cycling as a way of promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

"MaMa CyCling, a programme of Mama Doing Good, is dedicated to promoting the uptake of cycling to advocate for climate action and just road systems in Kenya," she stated in part.

A fleet of bicycles in Israel. /MAMA RACHEL RUTO

The First Lady visited the Ben Shemen Youth Movement Centre in Jerusalem and drew inspiration from the fact that the centre provides cycling programmes to community centres and youth villages throughout Israel.

"These programmes are tailored to each organisation's educational or therapeutic mission, teaching cycling skills, building motivation and self-discipline, and fostering teamwork and social cohesion," she added.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 which scuttled Kenyans' fun plans, bicycles became one of their top priorities. Demand for bicycles went up, and so did the number of people cycling on nature trails and roads as they sought to beat cabin fever during lockdowns and get exercise outdoors.

However, without the protection of bike lanes, cyclists must navigate between antiquated trucks, speeding SUVs and motorcycles crisscrossing the lanes on a busy highway during rush hour.

For instance, the Kenya cycling fraternity mourned the death of one of their own through a grisly road accident.

The cyclist, Joe Dzombo, was knocked down by a speeding matatu along Lower Kabete Road on Tuesday, May 9 and sustained serious injuries from the impact, and thereafter succumbed shortly after being admitted to hospital.

The vehicle which reportedly hit him would later be identified, registration number KAV 845Y, registered to the WALOKANA Sacco.

Rachel Ruto To Create Forest In Machakos

Still, on the subject of climate change, Rachel Ruto expressed plans of creating a forest in Machakos and to ensure its success, she picked lessons from Jerusalem on seed development, preservation, tree nursery, and seedling nurturing.

"Climate change is a present reality affecting our lives and livelihoods, and it will only get worse if we don't take action. 

"I am excited about the upcoming partnership between MaMa Doing Good and KKL-JNF to establish the 'Zion' forest in Machakos. This is an important step towards restoring our ecosystem and combating climate change," she stated.

President William Ruto, during a dinner hosted by Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday, May 10, revealed that Kenya was poised to plant 15 billion trees in the next 10 years and that there would be a praying session before planting the trees.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto planting a tree at the Groove of Nations at Jerusalem Forest on May 9, 2023. /PCS