Top competitors converge in Kwale for Africa Road Cycling Championships
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya poses with some of the the team Kenya cyclists while displaying the medals to be won at Swahili Beach Resort in Diani, Kwale County on November 19 2025. He said the government had invested Sh250 million to host the championship.
Three hundred cyclists from more than 30 countries will converge on Kwale County at the Kenyan coast for the 2025 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Africa Road Cycling Championships on Thursday.
The participants include 42 Kenyan cyclists in what officials say is the largest competition ever held in Africa.
Running until Sunday, the annual championship is backed by a major government investment of Sh250 million, underscoring Kenya’s ambition to elevate cycling and sports tourism.
Speaking during the launch at Swahili Beach Resort in Diani, Kwale, on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary -Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya said the Kenyan government had significantly boosted the cash prize.
“Cyclists who win gold medals here will be millionaires. We want to prove that sports can also be a source of livelihood for our people,” he said, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring athletes earn meaningful income.
Mr Mvurya noted that hosting the continental championship reflects Kenya’s rising profile in sports internationally.
NTV will broadcast the championship live.
Speaking in Kwale on Wednesday, Confederation of African Cycling President Allah Kouame praised Kenya for making timely preparations to host the event. Mr Kouame said timely preparations by host nation Kenya gave the continental body confidence to award the country hosting rights for a second consecutive year, having hosted it in Eldoret in 2024.
“The event has attracted an unprecedented number of participants, even though it is being held outside the traditional cycling season,” Mr Kouame observed.
Kenya Cycling Federation CEO Kelvin Mwangi lauded the government for the financial backing noting the events give young athletes motivation.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said the event will not only showcase Africa’s top cycling talent, but will also boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
This year’s races will include individual time trial races, mixed relays, and challenging elite road races featuring steep climbs.
Organisers have planned a local fun on November 22 from 9am.
The 2024 championship held in Eldoret were dominated by cyclists from Eritrea, South Africa, Rwanda, and Uganda, a trend local riders are hoping to break this year.
Authorities have assured competitors of adequate security and logistical support throughout the championships.
