Bungoma, December 14, 2025
The 8th Kanduyi Festival Cycling Races – Mashemeji Edition lived up to its billing as one of Western Kenya’s premier cycling events, delivering drama, determination, and unforgettable moments across four competitive categories on Sunday.
Kipruto Conquers the Ultimate Challenge
In the marquee Gear Bikes Men category, Ivan Kipruto emerged victorious after a grueling journey from Kisumu to Bungoma via Kakamega and Kaburengu. Crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 3 hours and 6 minutes, Kipruto took home the top prize of KSH 22,000 and cemented his place in Kanduyi Festival history.
The battle for the podium was intense, with Peterson Kamau and Peter Karanja both finishing in 3:09, separated by mere seconds in a photo finish that had spectators on their feet. Davis Kamau rounded out the top four with a time of 3:11, while Billy Graham completed the top five in 3:32.
The long-distance route tested every rider’s endurance and tactical prowess, with 19 competitors completing the challenging course. The race showcased the growing depth of talent in Kenya’s cycling scene, with competitive times throughout the field.
Waire Sprints to Black Mamba Glory
The Black Mamba Men’s race produced one of the day’s most exciting finishes, with Geoffrey Waire claiming victory in 1:47. In a testament to the competitive nature of the field, Geoffrey Wekesa finished just one minute behind in 1:48, while Samuel Ndungu and Johnson Kimani both recorded 1:49, making for an incredibly tight three-way battle for the remaining podium spots.
The race from Kakamega through Kaburengu to Bungoma attracted a strong field of 38 registered riders, with 30 completing the course. The depth of competition was evident as the top 10 finishers all came within 13 minutes of the winner—a remarkable display of consistent performance across the field.
Wanjiku Dominates Women’s Black Mamba
Hannah Wanjiku Kibet stamped her authority on the Women’s Black Mamba category with a commanding performance, finishing in 2:29 to claim the KSH 15,000 first-place prize. Her nine-minute margin of victory over second-place finisher Joyce Matara (2:38) demonstrated her superior form on the day.
Melisa Naswa secured third place with a time of 2:41, followed by Jane Njeri in 2:43. The women’s field of six competitors all finished strong, with Elizabeth Khisa and Precious Nambuye Muchelule rounding out the results at 2:49 and 2:50 respectively.
The women’s category continues to grow in strength and participation, reflecting the increasing prominence of female cyclists in Kenya’s competitive cycling landscape.
Wenani Wheels to Tricycle Victory
In the crowd-pleasing Tricycle Men category, Ronald Wenani proved unstoppable on the Kiwanja Ndege – Kanduyi – Musikoma route, completing the course in just 52 minutes. Eliud Sikuku finished second in 58 minutes, while Godfrey Simiyu claimed third place in 59 minutes.
The tricycle race brought unique energy to the festival, with local participants showcasing their skills through Bungoma Town. Ronald Sindu (1:03) and Emmanuel Nyongesa (1:06) completed the top five, with Simon Kundu finishing sixth in 1:32.
A Celebration of Community and Sport
The Mashemeji Edition brought together cyclists from across Kenya, creating a vibrant atmosphere that exemplified the Kanduyi Festival’s mission of community dialogue and service. Spectators lined the routes, cheering on competitors and celebrating the spirit of cycling.
The event’s success reflects the careful organization by Kanduyi Events and the enthusiasm of participants who embraced the challenge across all categories. From the epic endurance test of the Gear Bikes route to the sprint-like intensity of the Tricycle race, each category delivered its own unique thrills.
Results Summary
Gear Bikes Men (Top 3):
- 1st: Ivan Kipruto – 03:06
- 2nd: Peterson Kamau – 03:09
- 3rd: Peter Karanja – 03:09
Black Mamba Men (Top 3):
- 1st: Geoffrey Waire – 01:47
- 2nd: Geoffrey Wekesa – 01:48
- 3rd: Samuel Ndungu – 01:49
Black Mamba Women (Top 3):
- 1st: Hannah Wanjiku Kibet – 02:29
- 2nd: Joyce Matara – 02:38
- 3rd: Melisa Naswa – 02:41
Tricycle Men (Top 3):
- 1st: Ronald Wenani – 00:52
- 2nd: Eliud Sikuku – 00:58
- 3rd: Godfrey Simiyu – 00:59
Looking Ahead
As the 8th edition of the Kanduyi Festival Cycling Races concludes, anticipation already builds for next year’s event. The Mashemeji Edition has set a high standard, demonstrating that cycling in Western Kenya continues to grow in both competitiveness and community engagement.
Congratulations to all participants who took on the challenge, and special recognition to the winners who will have their names etched in Kanduyi Festival history. Until we meet again on the roads of Western Kenya!
For more information about Kanduyi Events and future cycling races, visit www.KanduyiEvents.com or follow @KanduyiFestival on social media.
Kanduyi Events – Community Dialogue and Service