More than 600 boda boda riders from Siaya County have benefitted from a road safety and financial literacy campaign, courtesy of an asset financing company.
The event, which was held at Nyakasumbi Primary School in Bondo saw the riders engage in sporting activities during the occasion whose aim was to empower the motorcyclists to enhance their safety, strengthen their financial resilience and reduce motorcycle-related accidents.
The day-long programme featured football matches, tug-of-war contests and a mechanics’ skills challenge, providing an opportunity for riders to engage with industry stakeholders before taking part in practical sessions on responsible borrowing, loan management, motorcycle security and safer road use.
The event was organised by Mogo Kenya, East Africa’s leading motorcycle and smartphone financier, in partnership with Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj) and the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), as part of ongoing efforts to support the growth and professionalism of Kenya’s Boda boda sector.
In addition to the training, riders received reflective jackets to improve their visibility on the roads and participated in Mogo’s Elewa Mkopo Wako campaign, which promotes responsible borrowing, timely loan repayment and early engagement with financiers whenever customers experience financial difficulties.
Twenty local mechanics also showcased their expertise in a technical skills competition, while riders competed in football and tug-of-war contests designed to promote teamwork and strengthen relationships within the boda boda community.
At the close of the event, Mogo donated a motorcycle to the local boda boda leadership to support community initiatives.
The Bondo outreach follows a similar programme held in Kisumu during last weekend’s FIFA World Cup final, where thousands of boda boda riders and football fans took part in road safety and financial literacy sessions before watching Spain defeat Argentina 1-0.
Speaking during the event, Becky Ngigi, Head of Public Relations at Mogo Kenya, said the company believes supporting riders goes beyond financing motorcycles and extends to equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build safer and more sustainable businesses.
“The boda boda sector supports millions of Kenyans and plays a vital role in connecting people and businesses every day. Beyond financing motorcycles, we want to help riders to operate safely, manage their finances responsibly and build businesses that can sustain their families. By taking these conversations directly into communities and working alongside our partners, we are helping riders make informed financial decisions while promoting safer roads for everyone,” she added.
She said Mogo’s community outreach programmes are designed to complement the company’s commitment to responsible lending by encouraging customers to understand their loan obligations, seek support early when they encounter financial challenges and prioritise safety in their daily operations.
“Road safety and financial literacy go hand in hand. Riders who understand how to manage their finances are better placed to invest in their businesses, maintain their motorcycles and operate safely. Through partnerships such as these, we can contribute to safer roads, while supporting the livelihoods of the people who keep Kenya moving.”
According to Viffa Consult’s Kenya’s New Boda Boda Boom Report, the boda boda industry generates an estimated KES 660 billion annually, contributes about 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and directly supports more than 2.5 million livelihoods.
Despite its significant contribution to the economy, the sector continues to face serious safety challenges. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data shows that boda boda riders, passengers and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of Kenya’s approximately 4,000 road deaths each year, underscoring the need for sustained investment in rider education, safety awareness and responsible riding practices.
She said Mogo will continue partnering with industry players and rider associations to roll out similar community outreach programmes across the country as part of its broader commitment to improving road safety, strengthening financial literacy and supporting the long-term growth of Kenya’s boda boda sector.
By Philip Onyango
