Kenyan Blocktober (8 Oct)

A Kenyan cyclist’s journey with Blocktober

By Sam Kagiri, Kenya Blocktober leader and cyclist

Sam Kagiri, Kenyan Blocktober leader in Karura forest at the Wangarĩ Maathai plaque

It all began in 2022, on what seemed like an ordinary Sunday for us cyclists in Kenya. As usual, we were heading to the high-altitude regions to test our endurance and see how far we could push our lungs in the cold, dense air. I was with my friend, Martin Mbutura, and as I made my way to the starting point, I came across Jean du  Plessis, the co-founder of Blocktober. It wasn’t the first time I had seen him as Jean was a familiar face on the cycling scene across the country.

He called out to me and said, “Let’s talk after the race.” After finishing the ride, I went to hear what he had to say, and that was the first time I learned about Blocktober and its mission to raise awareness and take action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

As someone raised within the cycling community, I’ve always been grateful for how much the sport has done for me—keeping me focused, safe, and grounded. I’d long dreamed of giving back in a meaningful way. So, when Jean told me about the initiative he had started, I knew immediately that this was my opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause.

A few months later, October finally arrived—the month I had been eagerly waiting for. I shared the idea with my friend Peter Gitu, a fitness enthusiast I’d been cycling with since 2018. He was enthusiastic and told me, “This is a chance to get fit and make a difference. Count me in, Sam.”

That October, we met every morning at KFEET Field in Karura at 6:45 a.m., ready to hit the trails. Our goal was to raise funds for the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in South Africa. Jean and I rode every single day that month, with the final three days being extra special—we cycled around Mount Suswa and finished in Naivasha.

“You have the choice not to give up.”

The experience tested my endurance and discipline. By the second week, fatigue had set in, and every morning felt like a battle between my body and my willpower. But I kept reminding myself, “You have the choice not to give up.” Finishing that month was one of my proudest achievements—it strengthened my fitness, my resolve, and my purpose.

Taking the Lead in 2023

Sam Kagiri and Kenya Blocktober Cyclists

The following year, 2023, was bittersweet. Jean was preparing to return home to South Africa and retire from the Kenyan cycling scene. Before he left, we shared a memorable tree planting session in Karura and a farewell dinner.

That October was my first Blocktober as the coordinator for Kenya, and it came with new responsibilities. Not only did I need to ride daily, but I also had to identify a GBV shelter, open a fundraising account on M-Changa, and lead the campaign locally.

With the help of my wife Grace, I connected with Usikimye, a GBV home located in Kayole, Eastlands Nairobi. (“Usikimye” means “Don’t stay silent” in Swahili.) I rode every single day that month while also joining their feeding program, which supports vulnerable children in the surrounding community.

Through that experience, I learned that hunger often drives young boys and girls into dangerous situations, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Witnessing the work that Usikimye was doing moved me deeply—it confirmed that every kilometer I rode and every shilling we raised was making a difference. That year’s Blocktober was a great success.

Continuing the Mission in 2024 and 2025

The Watoto Wema Centre supported by Blocktober in Kenya

In 2024, I carried the same passion forward—riding for 31 days, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by GBV under the Blocktober theme: “Listen, Learn, Think, and Act.”

This time, I chose to support Watoto Wema Children’s Home, an organization founded by Marion, a Dutch humanitarian. The home rescues street children, reunites them with their families, and provides education and vocational training in skills such as welding and baking. These programs not only empower the children but also help sustain the home.

During a visit with my friend Dr. Peter Kamunyo, former CEO of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), I learned that street children are among the most vulnerable to GBV. Many suffer in silence due to poverty, hunger, and lack of representation or protection.

Unfortunately, Watoto Wema was struggling financially. The transition to the new Social Health Insurance Fund had disrupted healthcare access for the children, school fees had become unaffordable, and some training facilities had been damaged by floods that hit Nairobi. Despite these challenges, their resilience inspired me.

Goal for 2025 Blocktober

This year, my goal remains to raise Ksh 200,000 for Watoto Wema—to help meet their basic needs and keep their programs running. For support you can donate via M-Changa.

Reflection

Looking back, Kenya Blocktober has been more than just a cycling challenge for me—it’s become a mission rooted in compassion, endurance, and community. Every pedal stroke represents hope, awareness, and the belief that we can all play a part in ending gender-based violence.

Read other blogs in the series

October Walk Details in Cape Town

• Next walking day: 9 October 6am.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2/2.5hrs, 7.5km
• Jeep Track Route: From Vredehoek (mountain end of Chelmsford Rd), to Blockhouse and back. Click this PIN for starting point.
• Click here to join future walks.  
• Record your walk, run, cycle or swim in support of Blocktober on Strava.