She Rides: The story of Maureen Bosibori

By Timothy Albrite

It’s a sight that’s becoming increasingly common on Kenyan roads: a rider in full gear, helmet firmly in place, navigating the traffic with a confidence that belies the challenges. And then you see the braids. Or the ponytail. It’s a woman!

Meet Maureen Bosibori, or Moh as her friends call her, a clinical officer by day and a motorcycle enthusiast by passion. Her story is one of courage, determination, and the sheer joy of the open road.

What sparked her love affair with motorcycles? It was the simple pleasure of watching bikers cruise by. “They looked like they were having so much fun,” she recalls. A desire to experience that same sense of liberation took root. 

Family and friends were very accepting because Moh had been talking about bikes way too much. She even bought a bike before she learnt how to ride. Of course, she was given those warnings of “ unajua wewe ndio body so be safe.” But the allure of the open road was stronger than any doubt.

Learning to ride in the Kenyan traffic was a baptism by fire. “Kenyan roads are terrifying,” she admits. “Drivers don’t always respect bikers.” Fear was a constant companion. Yet, with expert training, she began to master the machine.

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The once hesitant observer became a fearless rider. “The freedom is addictive,” she says. The city, once a daunting obstacle course, became her playground.

Of course, there were challenges. Motorcycle mechanics was a foreign language. But she found solace in the biker community. “My friends have been lifesavers,” she says with a grateful smile. “I have multiple friends I can call to help me out whenever I’m stuck,” she explains. “And I never go on long trips solo.”

Conquering the Southern Bypass during training was a great moment. “The rush, the speed – it was exhilarating,” she recalls. But it was her trip to Tanzania that truly defined her as a biker. Crossing borders, encountering new roads, and sharing the adventure with friends was a dream come true.

Moh is more than just a rider. She’s a mentor and a trailblazer. As a member of the Inked Sisterhood, a group of lady bikers dedicated to supporting and empowering women riders, Maureen is actively involved in giving back to the community. “We are always there to offer any help or support that bikers need, especially new lady bikers,” she explains. “We also participate in community projects, like the Girl Project in Kibera.”. 

Her advice? “Get proper training. It’s your life on the line.”

Maureen believes the key to encouraging more women to take up motorcycling is by sharing experiences. Her advice to aspiring female riders is simple: “Make sure you get your training right, that will save your life.” She emphasizes the importance of safety gear, stating, “It’s always ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time).”

And so, Maureen Bosibori rides on, a symbol of courage, determination, and the unyielding human spirit. Her journey is a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of bravery, anyone can conquer their own open road.