African Cycling Championships brings business boon to Kisumu, but not everyone is smiling

For a city accustomed to the gentle rhythm of life along the shores of Lake Victoria, the arrival of hundreds of cyclists from across Africa has sparked a different kind of race in Kisumu: one for hotel rooms, restaurant tables, transport fares and a share of the business windfall.

The 2026 CAC Road Cycling African Championships, which started on Tuesday at the lakeside city, have delivered a welcome economic boost to sections of the hospitality industry, transport operators, nightclubs and small businesses.

The week-long spectacle has breathed life into some enterprises, even as others struggle to reap its full benefits.

For the hospitality sector, the championships have attracted 348 cyclists from 32 countries, up from 320 riders representing 30 countries in the previous edition.

With each cyclist accompanied by an estimated three members of the technical team, the delegations have generated demand for accommodation for approximately 1,044 people.

The numbers have been further bolstered by secretariat staff, technical committee members, senior Ministry of Sports officials and representatives of other agencies involved in organising the event.

For the tourism industry, the influx has provided a timely boost, underlining the economic opportunities that come with hosting international sporting competitions.

Robert Ayoko, the Secretary-General of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association, said the championships had generated welcome business for members who secured bookings, although the benefits had not been evenly distributed among accommodation facilities.

“We are happy our members have had bookings and it is good for business and tourism of the Western circuit. They booked online, so not all the facilities got guests, but we are still happy and need more of such events,” said Mr Ayoko.

Beyond the race, visitors have been exploring restaurants along the shores of Lake Victoria, taking heed of Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o’s invitation to experience the beauty of the lake, its breathtaking sunsets and the distinctive cuisine of the lakeside county.

“Let us demonstrate our renowned hospitality while using this opportunity to promote our businesses, showcase our attractions and create lasting economic opportunities,” said Prof Nyong’o.

Ms Farida Salim, the County Executive Member for Tourism, Trade and Marketing, said that, beyond the direct economic benefits, the championships had placed Kisumu on a continental platform through live streaming.

“This cycling championship is being streamed in all 32 counties represented here, with cameras following cyclists across all the routes, showcasing Kisumu. This is big for us,” said Ms Salim.

NTV will broadcast the senior women and senior men road races live on Saturday and Sunday.

She attributed Kisumu’s growing profile as a host of major events partly to the success of the 2022 Africities Summit, which brought more than 11,000 visitors to the city.

“After Africities, they embarked on the ‘Kisumu My Pride’ campaign to profile Kisumu as an investment and tourism hub promoting business and leisure. This is why we have to ensure we have such traffic frequently to ensure businesses are thriving,” said Ms Salim.

She added that local cyclists had gained an opportunity to interact with professionals from across the continent, providing valuable exposure and mentorship.

However, the economic gains have not been universal. Traffic disruptions have inconvenienced transport operators, particularly boda boda riders who depend on trips within the town centre for their daily earnings.

Ms Salim said the traffic interruptions had been communicated nearly two weeks in advance, giving residents and businesses time to take note and make alternative arrangements.

Several major roads leading to the race’s start and finish points were barricaded, forcing motorists and motorcycle operators to use longer alternative routes.

Besides the town centre, roads affected included Kisumu-Nairobi Road, Nyalenda’s Ring Road and several routes within the leafy Milimani Estate.

Fredrick Arenga, a motorcycle operator based in Kondele, who regularly plies the town centre routes, said he and some of his colleagues had been forced to renegotiate fares to account for the additional distances covered.

“I was not aware of the traffic interruptions in advance, I would have made arrangements, including explaining to my customers in advance. We are now forced to improvise. Some of us have had to add an extra Sh20 to cover for the distance covered using alternative routes,” said Mr Arenga.

He said the timing of the disruptions had also compounded their difficulties, coming at a time when petrol prices had risen by Sh12.

Mr Arenga said motorcycle operators were yet to feel the economic benefits of the championships, unlike during school games, drama festivals and other school events, which generate demand for transport.

“We are not feeling the economic benefit, at least during school games, we would be benefitting from ferrying people to and from the venue,” he said.

At the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, where much of the championship’s activity is taking place, hotelier Maureen Awuor said business had been a mixed bag of opportunity and disappointment.

While some new customers had been buying food and other products from traders at the grounds, she said sales could have been significantly higher if access had not been restricted.

Only cycling teams and accredited persons have been allowed into the grounds, cutting off the usual flow of customers who would otherwise visit businesses operating within the facility.

“During the normal days, we usually have a lot of traffic passing through the sports ground and therefore we were getting walk-ins, but since the tournament started, they can barely access our hotels inside here. We are, however, getting those coaches and other technical teams coming for food here,” said Ms Awuor.

Other small businesses have also managed to record sales, with curious onlookers gathering to cheer the cyclists and buy beverages from traders serving thirsty spectators.

The championships end on Sunday.