Zainab, a community health worker in Kenya, is tasked with delivering health services to over 538 community members. This significant responsibility requires her to travel up to 15 km each day from her home.

Before having the bicycle, Zainab would walk at least six hours to cover her furthest distances, a demanding task that left her exhausted and with little time for anything else.

To support her delivery of health services, Zainab received a Buffalo Bicycle through World Bicycle Relief’s Mobilized Communities program in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Kakamega County.

The bicycle has revolutionized Zainab’s work. It allows her to visit patients, attend health facility meetings, and quickly respond to emergencies within her coverage area. This increased mobility has doubled her capacity to reach 104 households each month, a substantial improvement from the 52 she would average before acquiring the bicycle.

“The bicycle has been a great asset and value add to me and my fellow community health workers. It has made work not only easier, but enjoyable too,” Zainab says. 

Today, Zainab comfortably travels around the community to visit pregnant mothers, tend to the sick, manage vaccinations for children, and monitor diabetic patients. She also uses it for essential household chores, such as fetching water and firewood, and transporting goods. 

“We are so motivated, and the community appreciates this,” says Zainab.