She Rides: The story of Wangare Kemboi

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!

Wangare Kemboi, a motorcycle rider with two years of active experience, recently spoke with Autonews about her journey into the world of motorcycling. While she prefers to keep her age private, Wangare proudly shared that she is a wife to an awesome husband and a mother to three aspiring athletes.

Her decision to venture into motorcycling stemmed from the need for a practical solution to her daily commuting struggles. Frustrated with long matatu queues and the stress of city traffic, especially after the birth of her second child, she sought a more efficient way to travel. “I once got to work in 29 minutes (a distance of 15kms) on a bodaboda, and that was the moment I was completely sold on trying it!” Wangare exclaimed.

With unwavering support from her husband and encouragement from friends, she found the confidence to pursue this new adventure.

However, she initially kept her decision to ride a motorbike a secret from her family until she actually purchased one. “I actually told them about 4 months into riding. Funny enough they did not react as expected and gave me full support, however, they were concerned about my safety.”

She has faced stereotypes such as the notion that ladies who ride bikes are ‘bad girls’ or stubborn. She encountered resistance from some of her friends who thought she had gone bonkers.

However, she received a lot of support from the the Outering Road Nyumba Kumi Bikers. She also joined the ‘Inked Sisterhood’, a community of female bikers, where she found mentorship and support.

Her early days on the road were filled with nerves and uncertainty, but with practice and guidance, she gradually overcame her fears and developed the skills to navigate Kenyan roads.

The roads have had their set of challenges. Wangare has experienced harassment from other road users, particularly from Prado drivers and certain matatu routes. Additionally, boda boda riders almost always asked her to race with them when they realized she was a woman.

During her journey, one of the most memorable riding experiences was her very first long ride to Machakos via Mua hills. It occurred when she was still just a few months into riding and turned out to be quite an adventure for her. She also had fond memories of a group ride to Ndakaini Dam and another memorable road trip to Masinga, which she completed despite encountering some bike issues.

When it comes to safety concerns, Wangare emphasized the importance of safety and preparation, advocating for the use of proper riding gear, attending riding school, and riding within one’s abilities.

“There is an acronym ATGATT, meaning All the gear all the time. Even if you are going for a short ride in the estate you are to be always geared up. Invest in good riding gear too. Always ride at a speed that you can control your bike.”

Despite the challenges she has faced, Wangare remains optimistic about the evolving motorcycle culture in Kenya, especially with more women joining the ranks of riders. Although she is currently on a break because of motherhood, she encouragies other women to take up motorcycling, actively working to dismantle the stereotypes associated with female bikers.

Wangare is in the process of writing a book titled “The Chronicles of a Newbie: Tales from the Throttle” that recounts her riding journey and includes stories of others who were part of it. The book is set to be released later this year and will provide a captivating insight into the world of motorcycling, particularly from the perspective of a woman rider in Kenya.

With the release of her book, she aims to not only share her personal experiences but also to inspire and empower others to embrace motorcycling, break stereotypes, and find their own passion for the open road.