DNK International By Felix Njenga
The 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday at Limuru Country Club, with record participation and the emotional reopening of the club’s historic cricket pavilion setting the tone for the season’s opening race.
The event combined competitive sport with a milestone in community development, as organizers unveiled the fully restored pavilion that had previously been destroyed by fire. The reconstruction was supported by LOOP, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in community facilities and preserving Limuru’s rich sporting heritage.
The Nairobi leg of the popular gravel cycling series attracted the largest turnout in the event’s history, underlining the sport’s rapid growth in Kenya. According to LOOP DFS Chief Executive Officer Eric Muriuki, participation numbers surpassed previous editions by a wide margin.
“This year’s Nairobi leg has registered our biggest turnout so far,” Muriuki said. “We recorded 822 registered cyclists and nearly 700 spectators, bringing total attendance to about 1,500 people. It clearly shows that the cycling community continues to grow and gain momentum across the country.”
The Limuru race marks the first of four legs planned for the 2026 season. The competition will proceed to Naivasha on June 14 before heading to Vipingo in August. Organizers also introduced a new concept this year, announcing that the venue for the final leg of the series will be selected through a community vote among cycling enthusiasts.
Riders were tested by the demanding Limuru terrain, which became even more challenging due to wet and muddy conditions. Team Amani delivered a dominant performance, with Kenneth Karaya claiming victory in the men’s category. His teammate Stanley Ngugi finished second, while two-time defending champion Jordan Schleck settled for third place.
Schleck, who has competed in gravel racing for over a decade, described the harsh weather as part of the sport’s unique appeal.
“The rain and mud made the race more difficult, but that’s what gravel racing is all about,” he said.
He also used the occasion to highlight the need for improved cycling infrastructure across the country, noting that safety concerns on public roads discourage many potential cyclists from taking up the sport despite growing interest.
Beyond the racing action, LOOP also used the event to promote Loop Biz, its integrated digital financial platform designed to simplify business operations for Kenyan merchants. The platform allows traders to accept payments through multiple channels—including mobile money, bank transfers, and card payments—while also offering tools for invoicing, inventory management, and business growth support.
Muriuki revealed that the platform has already attracted approximately 400,000 registered merchants across Kenya.
“Our sustainability model is centred on enabling our customers to succeed,” he explained. “When businesses grow and thrive, it ultimately drives our own growth as well.”
The Safari Gravel Series is increasingly gaining international attention. The upcoming Naivasha leg will once again serve as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-accredited qualifier, building on last year’s edition that attracted more than 70 professional cyclists from around the world.
With the series now heading toward the Rift Valley in June, organizers and stakeholders remain optimistic that the blend of elite competition, community engagement and corporate investment will continue to elevate Kenya’s reputation as a leading destination for gravel cycling in Africa.
[DNK-International@March 9,2026]
