Cycling trio taking Africa’s climate voice to COP30

In November, the world will gather at Belem, Brazil, for the 30th session of the largest global climate talks, COP30.

As a conference dedicated to tackling climate change and cutting carbon emissions, the way delegates travel to the venue, particularly their choice of transport, has over the years, become part of the conversation.

“ We have decided to cycle to Belem. There are three of us: two young men and one young woman, ” Enock Kitheka says during the flag-off ceremony on July 31. The trio plans to trace a 15,500 km route from Nairobi to the COP30 host, an expedition dubbed “ Cycle for Hope.”

“ We know some quarters might ask why we are choosing to cycle. We get this question in all forms.  But, at the core of our cycling is climate justice. Cycling is a low-carbon and affordable mode of transport that shows how small actions, when embraced collectively, can shift entire systems,” says Wangechi Maina, the team’s project manager.

Climate activism

Frustrated by the inaction of leaders and the worsening effects of climate change, they are  mobilising through protests, digital campaigns, and grassroots projects in their communities.

“In each country that we visit, we intend to host inclusive Climate Cafés and community gatherings that foster open dialogue on local climate realities, solutions, and dreams for the future. These cafés will be spaces of collective reflection, story-sharing, and solidarity,” Kitheka adds.

Felicitus Okoko,23, one of the cyclists, is a gender and climate justice advocate who spearheads GenerationUs Kenya, a community-based organisation that amplifies the voices of vulnerable women and youth at the grassroots level.

“My activism is rooted in lived experiences and an unwavering belief that climate solutions must be just, inclusive, and locally driven.I am especially passionate about creating platforms where rural women, young people, and frontline communities can contribute meaningfully to climate dialogue and decision-making,” she offers.

In her telling, her work combines field mobilisation, policy engagements, and storytelling to push for equity in climate finance, access to clean mobility, and protection from climate-induced economic vulnerability.

The social entrepreneur adds that she joined the project this year, fascinated by the idea of taking the climate change conversations across countries.

“Growing up, my brother and I were in some sort of competition to see who would plant more trees. If you visit our home, we are surrounded by dozens of trees. When I moved out of home and started living in urban areas, I knew that I couldn’t quit on environmental conservation. I am now focusing on upcycling of plastics and textiles,” she offers.

To Kitheka, an electrical and electronic technician, this journey is deeply personal. Since 2022, he has been trying to cycle to the different COPs, determined to show that young people can go to great lengths to demand climate justice.

“I used to work as a technician, but I had to  take a break from work for this project. We started in 2022 but it didn’t materialise. When the world was gathering in Dubai for COP28, we tried again but failed. Also, last year. We hope that we will manage it to COP30 this year,” offers the environmentalist and climate advocate.

“I have been volunteering in many not-for-profit organisations.  I have participated in oceanic conservation, restoring more than 20,000 mangroves along the coastal region and wetland restoration programmes in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.”

Funding, the trio says, has been the biggest impediment to making their dream a reality. When Climate Action meets them again, nearly two weeks after their flag-off, they are still in Kenya, unable to begin the long journey as planned.

“ For the entire journey, we are hoping to raise Sh15 million,” he says. Hashu Kidavasi, another member of the trio, chimes in. “ So far, we have raised Sh100,000. Because of the little time we have left, we will fly from Namibia to Brazil.”

Hashu is a climate advocate and community facilitator working at the intersection of art, media, environment, and empowerment.

 “My passion lies in creating awareness, inspiring action, and building solutions that bring people together to care for nature and our communities. Back home,  I advocate by planting and growing trees, raising awareness about forests, and promoting the protection of our natural environment,” he offers.

Support infrastructure
As they cycle, the trio will be trailed by an electric motorcycle and a chase car.  “ We will also have portable solar charging units to power the e-bikes and devices sustainably. Also, essential medical supplies, camping gear, and navigation tools for safety and resilience. We have partnered with Ebike Africa for the e-bike technology, logistics, and on-ground support,” offers Kitheka.

The end goal
According to Wangechi, the insights gathered along their journey will feed into Climate Submission, co-written on the road and endorsed by more than 100 grassroots climate groups, to be formally presented at COP30. “We hope to ensure that African grassroots voices are placed at the very centre of the global climate conversation.
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