By Caroline Katana
Kwale County will host the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Championship 2025 from 19 to 23 November, positioning Diani as the meeting point for Africa’s top cyclists and attracting hundreds of athletes, officials, and fans to the coastal region.
County Executive Committee Member for Social Services and Talent Development, Fransisca Kilonzo, said the event marks a historic moment for the county and for Kenya.
“This year, we are privileged to welcome the whole of Africa to the CAC Championship 2025. These competitions have traditionally been held in other counties and countries, but this time Africa and Kenya will gather here in Diani. We will launch on the 19th, the races begin on the 20th, and the grand finale will be on the 23rd at Governor Fatuma Achani’s headquarters,” Kilonzo said.
She added that the championship provides an opportunity for Kwale to showcase its pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and natural attractions, noting that the event comes at a time when the county is ready to market itself globally.
She thanked the National Ministry of Sports, Youth and the Creative Economy for choosing Kwale to host the continental event.
“They have seen our beautiful landscape. We believe this event will bring international exposure, grow local businesses, and elevate Kwale’s profile around the world,” she said.
According to Kilonzo, the county has held several planning meetings with the Ministry of Sports, security agencies, NGOs, and health departments to ensure seamless preparations.
Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Social Services and Talent Development, Fransisca Kilonzo
Since the championship will be held on public roads, she said some stretches will be temporarily closed.
“We will not close roads for the whole day. Roads will be closed in intervals and reopened to allow traffic flow. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and police cars will not be restricted because public safety is our priority,” she said.
At the same time, she noted that road engineers have removed large bumps in areas such as Mvindeni and Lotfa to ensure smooth racing conditions.
Kilonzo urged residents to embrace the spirit of the championship and join the Fun Day scheduled for Saturday.
“Everyone is welcome—children, elders, women, youth, and even those in wheelchairs. Bring any bicycle you have. We are not inspecting bike types. It is not a competition; it is a day for fun. Come early and let’s enjoy the morning together, as the races will resume in the afternoon,” she said.
The championship route will start at Absa Bank, proceed through Kona ya Beach – Ibiza – Mvindeni – Lotfa, and end at Swahili Beach.
Motorists from Likoni to Lunga Lunga will be guided through alternative routes, and a detailed traffic advisory will be issued before the event begins.
On Sunday, during the final race to the Governor’s Office, the Diani–Kombani–Kwale road will also experience short closures, with marshals directing road users.
Chief Advisor at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and the Creative Economy, Rodgers Chimega, said Kenya agreed to host the championship under an MoU signed between the ministry, led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC).
He confirmed that security officers would be deployed along all race routes to prevent conflicts between cyclists and other road users.
“November 22 will be a Fun Day attended by Governor Fatuma Achani and CS Salim Mvurya with their bicycles. We invite families, media, schools, Sunday schools, and madrassas to assemble at Absa Bank from 7 a.m. to start the fun races. There will be prizes for participants,” Chimega said.
Chief Advisor at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and the Creative Economy, Rodgers Chimega
He added that more than 20 countries had already arrived, and organisers expect over 300 international cheerers. Kenya will also field a national team in the competition.
“The winner of this championship will wear the African jersey for one year. If Kenya wins, it will be a proud moment for us as a nation,” he said.
Race categories will include Elite Men and Women, Under-23 categories, Mixed Team Time Trial, and Individual Time Trial.
Women’s categories may have different distances, but both genders will participate. Participants must be 23 years and above for the senior categories.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde assured that Kwale remains peaceful and ready for the international event.
He said the county and sub-county security teams are fully prepared to ensure safety throughout the championship.
“Kwale is calm and secure. Any incidents we have recorded are isolated and have been handled in accordance with the law. We have put in place proper measures to ensure all visitors enjoy their stay and develop a desire to return.
“If this event succeeds, it will position Kwale and Kenya to potentially host world-level cycling championships,” Orinde said.
Orinde encouraged Kenyans to come out in large numbers to support Team Kenya.
