As the 2025 UCI Road World Championships brought global attention to Kigali. Airpocket, a new Kenyan cycling team used the opportunity to map out its future in the sport.
The team, funded by Nairobi-based fintech company Enovepay, attended the event not as competitors, but as learners and observers. The goal is to gain exposure, build networks, and motivate young Kenyan cyclists to aim for professional racing.
“We wanted them to see what’s possible,” said team founder and Enovepay CEO Brian Karoney.
While Kenya is internationally known for its success in athletics, cycling has yet to receive the same recognition or support. The country has produced elite runners for decades, but cycling remains a niche sport, largely underdeveloped at the grassroots and professional levels.
Karoney believes the time is right for change. His team is made up of five male cyclists and one coach, with plans to expand to include three female riders in the coming months. The athletes are between 16 and 32 years old an age range that allows for both development and long-term investment.
The team’s short-term objective is to participate in UCI-accredited competitions within the next year. Long-term, the vision is to build a professional setup that can compete internationally and inspire more Kenyan youth to take up the sport seriously.
Karoney described the Kigali championship as a major learning experience. Rwanda’s successful hosting of the first UCI Road World Championships on African soil demonstrated how government, private sector, and community support can transform cycling into a national celebration.
Rwanda’s cycling culture has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by local initiatives and consistent investment. Events like the Tour du Rwanda have helped turn the country into a hub for African cycling talent.
For the Kenyan team, seeing packed roadsides and passionate fans offered a glimpse of what cycling could become in East Africa if properly supported.
Despite the enthusiasm and talent, cycling in Kenya faces considerable challenges. like lack of funding. Most cyclists cannot afford professional grade equipment or training support, making it difficult to pursue the sport beyond a hobby.
At present, the Enovepay Airpocket cycling team is fully financed by Enovepay company. However, a key outcome from the Kigali visit was securing interest from an international sponsor a potential turning point in the team’s journey toward sustainability and growth.
Sponsorship remains a critical gap for many African athletes in non-traditional sports. Without structured financial backing, even the most talented riders struggle to break into the international scene.
One of the team’s broader ambitions is to contribute to building a cycling culture in Kenya. While cities like Nairobi have started adding bike lanes and hosting local races, cycling still lacks mainstream appeal and community engagement compared to running.
Karoney hopes to change that by developing youth programs, increasing local race participation, and involving schools and communities in the sport. The team is also collaborating with upcoming events like ‘Grand Nairobi Bike Race’ to boost visibility and public interest.
As the team returns home from Kigali, the momentum is growing. With inspiration, early sponsorship, and a clear development plan, the Kenyan cycling team is positioning itself for the next phase entering competitive races and putting Kenya on the global cycling map.
Titi Léopold
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