A retired soldier was on Wednesday feted for promoting the wellbeing of Mombasa residents through a simple method – walking.
Major (rtd) Idris Abdirahman, who served in the Kenya Air Force for 19 years, was given the Good Citizen Award at a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Mombasa at the Mombasa Chini Club for encouraging city residents to walk for better health.
Through the Mombasa Walk Movement, Abdirahman has encouraged more than 3,000 residents to walk to improve their health.
Every Saturday, the more than 3,000 residents walk for an average of 20km to different parts of Mombasa county and its environs.
So far, the residents have done 48 editions of the walk covering an impressive 960km cumulatively.
Thirty-three of the editions had medical camps at the end in partnership with various healthcare providers and companies.
“This award isn't just a personal triumph. It symbolises the collective success of the Mombasa Walk Movement. It underscores the transformative power of embracing walking as a simple yet profound lifestyle change,” Abdirahman said upon receiving the award.
He embarked on the inspiring journey after a health scare, walking alone and sharing his walk on his social media pages.
This sparked a movement that quickly resonated with thousands of residents.
The award signifies Abdirahman’s evolution from a sick individual to a healthy inspiration for thousands.
Members of the movement have witnessed notable accomplishments including significant weight loss, improved chronic disease management and reduced stress levels.
“Walking is the simplest form of exercise and the most economical one. Anyone can do it and can afford it, unlike going to the gym. Walking is a game-changer in the dynamics of exercise," Abdirahman said.
Rotary Club of Mombasa president Mahmood Nurani said the inspiration Abdirahman has sparked is admirable.
He said the club will work with Abdirahman to further encourage more lifestyle change for Mombasa residents.
“We are honoured to give this award to Major Abdirahman,” Nurani said.
His vision extends beyond personal health, aiming to combat chronic and lifestyle diseases by nurturing a community dedicated to walking at the grassroots level.
Abdirahman said the movement now has eight different clusters whose members walk between 10km and 16km either in the morning or evening from Monday to Friday, depending on their time schedule.
“On Saturdays, we walk together between 15km and 25km,” he said.
He dedicated the award to his family, team, friends and business community who, he said, have made every step matter.