Visiting Turkana on two wheels

Off-road in Turkana : A motorcycle Expedition with a mission

by with No Comment AdventuresInitiatives

Turkana County , the vast, sun-scorched land of resilient people, endless horizons, and untold stories. When I set out for this 30-day motorcycle expedition, I knew it would be one of the toughest rides of my life. Coming from Limuru, where temperatures can drop to a crisp 9°C, nothing could have prepared me for the searing 38°C heat that hit me the moment I arrived in Lodwar.

Touring Turkana on a motorcycle
Kagwiria Murungi Rides through Turkana

But I was ready.

For two years, I had meticulously planned this journey. I connected with Lokaru, a legendary Turkana biker who had ridden through all 47 counties. If anyone could guide me through this unforgiving terrain, it was him. My motorcycle, the Kawasaki KLR 650, was in peak condition ; new tires, a fresh battery, and every essential spare part packed. Two extra 5-liter fuel jerrycans sat securely on my bike, ready for the long stretches where petrol stations were non-existent.

Turkana is breathtaking, but it is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain is a punishing, a  mix of deep sand (fesh-fesh), jagged rocky trails, and dried-up riverbeds that tested my riding skills like never before. Each day brought new challenges, but the unwavering spirit of the Turkana people fueled my resolve.

How a motorbike handles the rough terrain of turkana
Riding through the Unforgiving Terrain that is Turkana

I didn’t just pass through the villages , I lived among the community, sharing meals, listening to their stories, and understanding their way of life. It was during these moments that I saw the real struggles they face daily, challenges that technology could help solve.

While riding, I visited five remarkable women’s groups in Epur, Kataboi, and Lobolo (Kangatotha). These Mother-to-Mother (M2M) groups are lifelines for women – safe spaces where pregnant and lactating mothers support each other, engage in table banking, create jewelry, and manage small kitchen gardens. But their gardens had withered due to lack of water, their irrigation pumps broken and abandoned.

In Katilu Irrigation Scheme, women farmers rely on expensive diesel-powered pumps to keep their nurseries alive. The cost is unsustainable.

In Lobolo, children huddle around smoky fires at night, struggling to do their homework due to lack of lighting. Something as simple as a solar lamp could change their future.

This journey was never just about adventure , it was about finding real solutions for the communities I visited. And now, with the support of sponsors, I am working to bring technology-driven solutions to these resilient women and children.

This journey was never just about adventure—it was about finding real solutions for the communities I visited. And now, with the support of sponsors and people like you, I’m working to bring technology-driven solutions to these resilient women and children of Turkana.

Our Mission in Action:
– Solar-powered water pumps to revive kitchen gardens and farms
– Affordable lighting solutions for schoolchildren to study after dark
– Sustainable energy alternatives to replace expensive diesel-powered systems
– Training programs to help communities maintain and repair these systems

Your Support Makes a Difference
Whether you can contribute financially, share technical expertise, or simply help spread the word, every action brings us closer to empowering the Turkana communities who welcomed me so warmly.

Join the Movement
1. Donate: Support our technology fund directly at [donation link] 2. Partner: Businesses and organizations can contact us for partnership opportunities
3. Volunteer: Technical experts are needed for installation and training
4. Share: Help spread the word about these incredible communities and their needs

Let’s ride for change, let’s ride for impact. Together, we can power a brighter future for Turkana.

Contact us: info@kagwiriamurungirides.africa | +254 706 287560
Follow the journey: Facebook and Instagram: Kagwiria Murungi Rides

 

 

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Zena Mulei: The Unstoppable Force Transforming Lives of Nairobi’s Street Children

by with No Comment Initiatives

In the bustling heart of Nairobi, where the pace of city life never slows, one woman is making a profound difference. Her name is Zena Mulei, and she is the driving force behind Homeless of Nairobi, a grassroots initiative dedicated to feeding, rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating street children and homeless adults. 

I first met Zena in Deep Sea, and from that moment, I knew she was extraordinary. She is not just a friend; she is a warrior for the forgotten, a beacon of hope for those who have none. When I say I have met incredible women, I truly mean it. 

A Mission Rooted in Compassion 

From Monday to Friday, Zena and her team provide daily meals to homeless adults and children across Nairobi’s streets. But her efforts don’t stop there. She also runs a feeding program for children in the Deep Sea slums, ensuring they receive at least one nutritious meal a day. 

Beyond providing food, Zena has established a community library where children can complete their homework and assignments after school. During school holidays, she organizes kids’ camps, creating a safe and nurturing environment for them to learn, play, and dream beyond their circumstances. 

Rescue, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate 

Zena’s work extends far beyond feeding. Homeless of Nairobi has rescued countless boys and girls from the streets, guiding them through rehabilitation and enrolling them in schools. Some have even completed high school and are now preparing to join college. 

For those battling addiction, Zena has partnered with rehabilitation centers to help them break free from drugs and reclaim their futures. The rescued children stay at a children’s home in Gashie, a sanctuary where they receive care, education, and the opportunity to start anew. 

Why She Does It 

Zena believes in second chances. She sees the good in everyone, even those society has written off. Her passion is fueled by the success stories – the boys and girls she has rescued, whose lives have been transformed because someone believed in them. 

Her mission is simple yet profound: to rescue as many as she can and to create a society where everyone gets an opportunity. 

Be Part of the Change 

Zena’s work is transforming lives, but she cannot do it alone. She needs support , your support. 

Here’s how you can help: 
1. Donate – Financial or in-kind contributions go a long way in feeding and rescuing more children. 
2. Volunteer – Your time and skills can make a real difference. 
3. Spread the Word –
Follow and support her work on Facebook: Homeless of Nairobi. 

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate women like Zena women who don’t just talk about change but make it happen. 

#IWD2025 #InspireInclusion #HomelessOfNairobi #RidingForImpact #WomenWhoChangeTheWorld #KagwiriaMurungiRides

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Beyond the Headlines: A Motorcycle Rider’s Perspective on the Aid Crisis ( A heartfelt post)

by with No Comment Initiatives
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There is a side of my adventures you don’t always get to see, the side that brings me face-to-face with the harsh realities of how remote , remote can be and how far, far truly is. The side that makes privilege an unfamiliar language in many of the places I visit. This is a reality that continually keeps me humble.The drive I have for people-centric adventure rides.
 
It is children gathering around a fire made from ‘mukoma‘ branches just to read because lighting when they come back from school is a luxury they may never know. It is entire villages depending on aid not as a crutch, but as a lifeline – one that has now been unplugged. The recent halting of international aid has had a ripple effect, exposing deep vulnerabilities. It has led to job losses, left many more exposed to disease and hunger, and unveiled the underbelly of our own inefficiencies. It has forced us to reckon with the consequences of how we vote, how we lead, and how we govern ourselves.
 
Yet, in the midst of it all, there is uncertainty. Who do we blame? Where do we direct our anger? Aid has always been a double-edged sword – helpful yet, at times, a bandage over wounds that require deeper healing. But what happens when that bandage is abruptly removed? We are left staring at the raw, painful truth: we have not built sustainable structures to stand on our own.
 
A collapsing economy is not something you can budget around. Flawed leadership is not something you can out-plan. When you wake up to a Monday Nation newspaper with 12 pages of auctions, when businesses fold and families are left stranded, it becomes clear that politics is not just about debate – it affects every plate of food, every hospital bed, every child’s future.
 
But this is also a wake-up call. It is time for homegrown solutions, and they must come fast. Aid may have stopped, but resilience must begin. What am I doing as a motorcycle adventure rider? I am amplifying these voices. I am bringing these stories to the forefront, showing the world what is happening in the corners we often forget. In the background, we are working day and night to find impactful solutions – solutions that are not just about temporary relief, but about long-term change. Myself and a team of volunteers, we keep knocking doors trying to get solutions. When we come knocking at your door, please hear us out, we have seen devastation untold!
 
We must stop the misuse of resources. We must rethink our leadership, our policies, and our priorities. We must act. Because, as former President Uhuru Kenyatta once said:
“We have lost more people to bullets fired by Africans upon Africans than we have lost to coronavirus. And we have spent more to kill ourselves than we have spent on protecting our health and our society.”
The question now is – what do we do with this reality?
(These are actual photos from the communities)
Share and re-share
Kagwiria Murungi Rides to fight cancer

Riding for Hope: My Journey to Support Children with Cancer in Kenya

by with No Comment Initiatives

Cancer is a devastating diagnosis for any family, but for children in underprivileged communities, the battle is even more challenging. In Kenya, children from low-income households face significant barriers to accessing life-saving cancer treatment—barriers like poverty, lack of awareness, and limited resources. That’s why I, Kagwiria Murungi, a passionate motorcycle adventure rider and founder of Kagwiria Murungi Rides, have launched a campaign close to my heart: “Riding for Hope: Supporting Children with Cancer in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kisumu Counties.”

This campaign, hosted on the M-Changa fundraising platform, aims to raise KES 1,000,000 (approximately $10,000) over one year to provide critical support for five children battling cancer in these regions. With the support of On Eagles Wings Inc., a U.S.-based organization dedicated to helping Kenyan children with cancer, I’m riding to bring hope and healing to these young fighters.

Why This Campaign Matters

As someone who has traveled across Kenya on my motorcycle, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with communities and hearing their stories. But I’ve also seen the struggles families face, especially when it comes to accessing healthcare. For children with cancer, the challenges are even greater. Many families in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kisumu counties can’t afford chemotherapy, transportation to treatment centers, or even basic necessities like nutritious meals.

This campaign is my way of making a difference. It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about raising awareness, offering hope, and giving these children a fighting chance.

How Your Support Will Help

Every donation, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of these five children. Here’s how the funds will be used:

  • Medical Support (KES 250,000 / $1,875): Cover chemotherapy sessions and transportation to treatment centers.
  • Nutritional Support (KES 75,000 / $575): Provide healthy meals to boost immune function and aid recovery.
  • Emotional & Psychological Care (KES 50,000 / $375): Facilitate counseling for the children and their families.
  • Basic Needs (KES 25,000 / $190): Purchase essential supplies like clothing, bedding, and hygiene kits.
  • Awareness & Advocacy Programs (KES 100,000 / $750): Educate communities about early cancer detection and available resources.

My Story Behind the Ride

I’ve always loved the freedom and adventure that comes with riding a motorcycle. Over the years, my journeys have taken me to incredible places and introduced me to inspiring people. But they’ve also opened my eyes to the struggles many families face, especially when it comes to healthcare.

When I learned about the challenges children with cancer and their families endure, I knew I had to do something. That’s why I’m dedicating this ride to them. Through this campaign, I hope to shine a light on their resilience and provide them with the support they desperately need.

This campaign is deeply personal to me. It’s about more than just raising funds—it’s about giving these children a chance to fight, to heal, and to dream of a brighter future.

Join Me on This Journey

I can’t do this alone. I need your help to make a real difference in the lives of these children. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will bring hope and healing to these families. Together, we can ensure these children receive the care they need and deserve.

Donate now and be part of this transformative journey:
👉 Support the Riding for Hope Campaign

This campaign will run for one year, ensuring sustained support for the children. I’ll be sharing updates from my ride, so you can follow along and see the impact of your generosity.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s ride for hope, healing, and a brighter future for children with cancer in Kenya.

For more information or to follow my journey, visit the campaign page on M-Changa: https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/108917.