Kwale Sports CBO hosts 2nd edition of cycle for Sables

Over 60 cycling and conservation enthusiasts came together in Kwale County for the second edition of the Cycle For Sables.

The event aims to use cycling as a sport to raise awareness on the plight of the rare Sable Antelope endemic to the Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kwale, and currently listed as a priority conservation animal in Kenya.

The 2025 campaign dubbed the Cycle For Sables Mass Ride saw cyclists tackle the challenging Diani-Kwale town route in an effort to raise more awareness on the critical state of the Sable Antelope population left in Kenya.

According to a Kenya National Wildlife Census in 2021, there are only about 50 Sables left in the world, with the number suspected to be lower than that in 2025. 

Organised by Kwale Sports Excellence Community Based Organization in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service, Cycle For Sables is rooted in the organization’s Sport for Social & Environmental Causes theme. 

Speaking during the flag off at Swahili Beach Resort in Diani, Diana Heri who is the Kwale Sports Excellence C.B.O. programs coordinator explained her joy at the progress made with the campaign.

“In 2024, we pioneered something that was considered to be almost impossible to do. Working closely with our partners at Kenya Wildlife Service, Base Titanium, Swahili Beach Resort, and the County Government of Kwale, we have taken a giant leap this year after the small step in 2024.”

Starting from the picturesque Diani Beach and inland into the steep and rugged Shimba Hills, Kwale County’s unique landscape offers one of the most scenic and challenging cycling routes in Kenya.

According to Heri, the organization’s plan is to bring more sponsors on board to finally have an international cycling competition that will be used to help raise funds to aid conservation efforts of the Sable Antelope by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

“Just like the Lewa Marathon, Rhino Cup, and other conservation-based sports events, we are planning to launch the Sable Cycling Race in the near future and use that to raise funds to help protect this majestic animal,” Diana explained.

Speaking on behalf of Kenya Wildlife Service, Titus Mitau who is the Senior Warden at the Shimba Hills National Reserve commended the initiative terming it a good effort by the local community to preserve an invaluable resource.

“We are delighted to welcome people from Kwale who have joined us to campaign for the conversation of the Sable Antelope.

"Kenya Wildlife Service is open to work with communities especially the youth who are voicing up that this rare and endangered animal should be conserved.”

The event also saw participants engage in a tree planting exercise, a conservation education session, a game drive courtesy of Kenya Wildlife Service, and lunch inside the reserve.

James Mwangi from Texas Alarms who was one of the new participants described the experience as one of the best he has ever had.

“This event has been an eye opener for me. We all have a responsibility to protect our environment and this is definitely one of the best ways to do it.”