Meet Kaanya: Inspiring 9-year-old cyclist rooting for Non-Motorised Transport in Kenya
As cyclists turned up for the World Bicycle Day celebrations at Uasin Gishu County headquarters in Eldoret town, during World Bicycle Day 2021 one little girl stood with her bicycle on the front line ready to take on the day.
This was not the first time Dahlia Kaanya, 9, was standing out from the crowd. In May, she cycled over 160km from Nairobi to Namanga on the Kenya-Tanzania border. Quite a feat for a nine-year-old!
On June 3rd, when the World Bicycle Day was marked, Kaanya showed up in her characteristic white, red and blue-coloured cycling gear where the wowed crowd cheered her on.
“I am impressed with the young girl who cycles. Next time I will be among the cyclists. I want to be in that club. We should start our own cycling club in the county. Let’s join in and support cyclists on road safety.” said an inspired Uasin Gishu Governor, Jackson Mandago, as he flagged off the 60 cyclists.
Despite her young age, Kaanya is passionate and competitive, having finished the 80km race in the first cohort on the high altitude Eldoret Kaptagat route.
“I want to cycle to school. Unfortunately, our roads are not safe for such an exercise.” said Kaanya, adding that she hopes the government will design roads that support non-motorized transport (NMT).
Kaanya’s passion has struck a chord at home, strongly impressing and inspiring her own father, Alfred Kyalo, who now cycles at least thrice a week.
“She would really want to cycle to school, given a choice she would but of course I say no. I am the one who is scared because our roads are not safe for pedestrians and cyclists.” said Kaanya’s father.
He added: “To see her so young yet she has taken up a non-motorised transport policy advocacy so seriously without being prompted is very humbling. With a policy in place we can have dedicated lanes. It will be safe for all road users. I believe in what she is advocating for, NMT systems. She has collected more #MyLane2 signatures than me within our family and friends circles.”
Celebrated every year on the third day of June, World Bicycle Day promotes non-motorized and the physical and environmental benefits attendant to cycling.
This year, we partnered with Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Water Towers Agency, Uasin Gishu County government and five cycling groups from across the country to mark the day. The cyclists rode 80 kilometres from Eldoret to Kaptagat Forest where they planted 5,000 bamboo seedlings as part of the #Cycling4Forests and #MyLane2 campaigns.
Sign the #MyLane2 Petition: Call on your Member of Parliament to support a just and inclusive road system legislation in Kenya which prioritises the mobility needs of ALL including cyclists and pedestrians.
