If you are a motorbike enthusiast, you might have heard of the Kibo Challenge, an annual event that brings together hundreds of Kibo bike owners for a thrilling and rewarding ride from Nairobi to Naivasha. The event, which is organized by Kibo Africa, a leading manufacturer of high-quality and affordable motorcycles in Kenya, aims to provide riders with an unforgettable, challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.
This year, the event dubbed “Ride Like a Champ” – and whose theme was “The Challenge is On”, was Kibo’s third since its inception in 2021. It took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, and attracted over 300 riders who took part in a challenging 90-kilometre, six-hour ride from Nairobi to Naivasha.
The ride started at the Carnivore Grounds in Lang’ata, Nairobi and culminated at the Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, having gone through varied terrains, which gave riders a chance to test the limits of their bikes whilst testing their riding skills and knowledge of road safety protocols.
The event featured Kibo bikes in the 150 cc, 160 cc and 250 cc categories, which are designed and manufactured to suit the African market and terrain. These bikes are equipped with advanced safety features such as state-of-the-art braking systems, LED displays and lighting and more efficient engines.
As part of the challenge, Kibo also offered a range of training programs aimed at novice and experienced riders, designed and led by industry experts focusing on developing crucial riding skills, road awareness, and defensive riding techniques.
Speaking at the finish line in Naivasha, KIBO Africa CEO Huib van de Grijspaarde said:
“We are thrilled to have had such a great turnout for this year’s event, which points to the growing interest amongst riders to be part of this challenge. Through the initiative, we have consistently proven that riding is a thrilling, fun and safe engagement, and we look forward to the event growing into a larger event that draws more participants in subsequent editions.
He also revealed that Kibo Africa has an annual capacity of 10,000 bikes, with a plan to increase this capacity to 50,000 bikes per year in the next three years. Besides, the company has successfully transferred technology locally to manufacture 38 components of its bike in Kenya, aiming to achieve 30% localization of elements within the same period.
To achieve these goals, Kibo plans to partner with local manufacturers to transfer the manufacturing of critical components such as mufflers and exhaust by the first quarter of 2024.
The Kibo Challenge is not only a fun and exciting event for motorbike lovers, but also a showcase of Kibo’s commitment to providing high-quality and affordable motorcycles that meet the needs and expectations of African customers. By offering superior products and services, Kibo hopes to empower its customers with mobility, freedom and opportunities.
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