An international non-governmental organisation, World Bicycle Relief, has donated 350 bicycles to residents of Kakamega County to aid in poverty relief and enhance mobility for short distances.
Speaking at the launch of the Kakamega climate action plan, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa hailed the initiative, saying the bicycles will promote non-motorised transport for short distances in the community.
The governor said that if Kenyans embrace the use of bicycles, they will reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“The Environmental Protection Agency attributes 95% of carbon dioxide emissions to motor vehicles, but when we embrace bicycles and electric vehicles, we cut down on the amount of carbon dioxide released,” he added.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency, the regional Director of World Bicycle Relief in charge of East Africa, Maurine Kolenyo, said they have partnered with the county government of Kakamega to solve the issue of mobility through the use of bicycles.
Governor Barasa said out of the 350 donated bicycles, all buffalo brand, 200 will go to the community health promoters, and 150 will be given to ward climate change committee members.
By Teresia Atieno
