Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi has cautioned the boda boda operators against political violence and goonism as the country heads to next year’s General Election.
Speaking during a sensitization forum for boda boda leaders in Kisii town, Mubadi urged the riders to remain neutral and desist from being misused by the politicians to perpetrate violence during political gatherings.
“The boda boda sector provides livelihoods to millions of Kenyans and we should not be used to fuel violence in exchange for a few coins,” Mubadi noted.
He pointed out that some politicians may attempt to recruit riders to participate in violent activities and urged them to resist such calls and instead be agents of peace before, during and after the elections.
The Chairman also expressed concern over the increasing number of road fatalities in the sector, adding that failure to adhere to the traffic rules poses danger not only to the pillion passengers but also to other road users.
Further, he called on the operators to work closely with the security agencies to address any conflicts that arise in their line of work, saying that no rider or motorbike should be unlawfully detained.
Mubadi also highlighted the importance of partnering with stakeholders such as Mogo and Bajaj to promote financial literacy among the riders, adding that most of the operators did not know how to manage daily cash flows and save.
Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi added that through their financial literacy program, riders are able to increase their income and support their families and communities across the country.
Ngigi encouraged the operators to familiarize themselves with contract agreements to avoid defaulting their assets financing loans because it can lead to the repossession of the motorbike.
“I am also urging the riders to communicate with our office in good time if they are unable to service their loan to enable us to negotiate the best option for them to avoid their motorbikes being taken away,” she explained.
The Head of PR added they were leveraging on a multi-sectoral approach to ensure that riders are sensitized on traffic rules and road safety and work in a conducive environment where they can thrive.
Notably, it is estimated that the boda-boda sector provides direct employment to over 2.5 million people and generates about Sh660 billion annually, thereby contributing 4.4 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bajaj After Sales Officer Engineer Geoffrey Kemboi said the forum had provided an opportunity for the riders to service their motorbikes free of charge and promote unity among them.
On his part, Kisii County Boda Boda Operators Association Chairman Jared Oirere lauded the initiative, adding that riders had been sensitized on matters of finance and road safety.
He warned the operators against carrying excess passengers or overloading luggage which could endanger their lives and other road users.
By Mercy Osongo
