At exactly 4am on Wednesday, December 24, Jack Siro mounted his bicycle in Nairobi and began an extraordinary 315-kilometre journey to Kisii, driven by a simple goal — to spend Christmas with his family.
The 33-year-old software developer rode through the early morning traffic, fully kitted in cycling gear and armed with nothing more than a small backpack carrying hydration supplies. After more than 15 hours on the road, he arrived in Kisii Town at 7.22pm, drawing amazement from residents before continuing to his parents’ home in Mosocho, Kitutu Chache South Constituency.
A Christmas Tradition on Two Wheels
This was not Siro’s first long-distance festive ride. It was his fourth time cycling from Nairobi to Kisii for Christmas.
“Since 2022, I have been cycling from the capital to celebrate Christmas with my parents and my three siblings,” he said shortly after arrival.
The journey has become a personal tradition, blending endurance, family, and faith as he joined his loved ones to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
From Hobby to Lifestyle
Siro has been cycling for nearly half his life, but his passion intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions and long hours indoors sparked his deeper interest in the sport.
“To beat boredom, I would see people cycling around the neighbourhood. That is how I developed a keen interest,” said the last-born in a family of four.
Today, cycling is not just a hobby. It is his primary means of transport, including his daily commute to work.
Inspired by Fellow Cyclists
The idea of cycling all the way to Kisii took shape after Siro noticed colleagues riding to their rural homes over weekends, particularly those from Central Kenya.
“When I saw them cycling to Nyeri and Murang’a from Nairobi, I asked myself, why not Kisii?” he recalled.
His first two attempts in 2022 and 2023 were disrupted by harsh weather. Heavy rainfall forced him to stop overnight and complete the journey the following day.
Five Stopovers, One Determined Ride
This year, preparation and determination made the difference. Siro completed the journey in a single day, making five brief stopovers in Suswa, Maai Mahiu, Narok, Bomet, and Keroka.
“These stops were just to refresh and grab a quick bite. None lasted more than 30 minutes,” he said.
He described the route as physically demanding, citing steep hills and long stretches that require discipline and energy conservation.
“It is not a walk in the park. You must be smart and know how to pace yourself.”
Social Media Cheers Along the Way
Throughout the journey, Siro shared live updates on social media, particularly on X, where his story attracted widespread attention and encouragement.
“At first, some friends thought I was joking,” he said. “But as I kept posting updates, they began to believe.”
Some supporters even requested his phone number to send him money for water and refreshments along the way, gestures he described as deeply humbling.
Advocating for Cycling
An ardent cycling advocate, Siro encouraged Kenyans to embrace the activity, highlighting its physical, mental, and financial benefits.
“Cycling improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and lowers transport costs,” he said. “It is a low-impact exercise suitable for almost all ages.”
A Silent Struggle Behind the Achievement
Despite the festive triumph, Siro is facing personal uncertainty. He recently lost his job after being declared redundant, a situation he attributes to the growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
“I used to develop software for an organisation in Nairobi, but with the advent of AI, I lost my job,” he said.
He has since appealed to well-wishers and potential employers for opportunities aligned with his skills.
“I can develop software and mobile applications,” he said. “I am asking anyone willing to give me a chance to reach out. I do not know what the next year holds, but I am hopeful.”
As Siro rests with family after conquering one of Kenya’s toughest cycling routes, his journey stands as a powerful story of resilience, discipline, and the enduring pull of home during the festive season.
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