As Kenya marks 50 years of independence on 12th December 2013, a daring group of bikers will fire up their heavy machines and set off from Nairobi to Cairo in a 10,000km return road trip with a difference.

It will be a ride through some of the toughest conditions that anyone can face – rock-lined to sand-lined roads, dry river crossings to mountainous highlands – these brave souls will endure it on two wheels for 50 days, topped up with a nice serving of fatigue – all for a worthy cause.

They seek to raise over 15 million shillings (about US $ 175,000) to provide full high school scholarships to fifty needy students.

I met up with part of the team on Sunday at the Motor Cross Circuit and found that they aren’t made of a special metal as you might think, but ordinary people seeking to make a difference with their God-given resources. You can easily pass any of them unassumingly (I did severally) only to realise what makes them stand out is the realisation that anyone can make a difference. Instead of naomba serikali-ing about pupils who drop out of school due to lack of fees, they have made it their responsibility to make sure these pupils continue with their education.

There’s Simeon Muhulo, Munyi Kareithi, Tutu Maina (he isn’t one of the riders but is mobilising fellow Motor Crossers to raise funds for one pupil’s scholarship) and Sarah Mwangi Githinji. Other riders are Nick Kiplangat and Jason Runo.

 

Simeon, Kanazi, Munyi, Kimathi, Sarah and Mercy.

 

Kimathi and his Tenere. He will be riding it for 25 of the 50 days.

 

Mercy, one of the volunteers lending their expertise to the Jubilee Ride.

You can support the Jubilee Ride in many ways. Start by following their progress here then check out their website and Facebook to see how you can be part of this great adventure.