The President of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, Kevin Mubadi, has urged riders across the country to embrace financial discipline, safety and peaceful engagement with state actors.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Eldoret, Mubadi said the meeting brought together boda boda operators, financiers, motorcycle dealers and other industry stakeholders, to educate riders on loan management, road safety and security.
He said the Association had partnered with Mogo and motorcycle dealers to empower riders through financial literacy programmes aimed at helping them better understand loan agreements and repayment obligations.
“We appreciate the partnership we have with stakeholders who continue supporting boda boda riders through financial literacy and education on proper loan management. Riders should ensure they repay their loans on time to avoid unnecessary challenges,” said Mubadi.
The BAK President further emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and supporting government initiatives despite the rising cost of living and increased fuel prices.
“We understand the economy is difficult, and fuel prices have gone up, but we urge riders to remain peaceful and engage the government through dialogue instead of actions that may escalate tensions,” he added.
Mubadi also commended the cooperation between boda boda operators and security agencies in tackling motorcycle theft, noting that close collaboration with the police had helped improve security within the sector.
Rebecca Ngige, the Public Relations Manager at Mogo, said the engagement forum was aimed at addressing key challenges affecting boda boda operators, including financial literacy and motorcycle theft.
Ngige noted that security concerns, particularly motorcycle theft, had become a major challenge, describing the vice as an organized syndicate that extends beyond Kenya’s borders.
“We have observed that some stolen motorcycles are trafficked across borders, making it a wider security challenge that requires collaboration among all stakeholders,” she said.
She said Mogo had partnered with security agencies, boda boda associations, and local leaders to help address the problem and protect customers’ assets.
Ngige also dismissed allegations linking some Mogo staff to motorcycle theft cases in Uasin Gishu County, saying no investigations had confirmed such claims.
“Mogo is a reputable organization and does not condone criminal activities. Any allegations must be investigated thoroughly, and if any staff member is found culpable, due legal process will be followed,” she said.
Nahashon Kemei, the chairperson of the Boda Boda Association, Uasin Gishu County, called on boda boda lenders to exercise leniency towards operators struggling to repay motorcycle loans due to the prevailing harsh economic conditions.
Kemei also urged financiers to clarify cases involving alleged motorcycle thefts, especially incidents reported after borrowers had fully cleared their loans.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between lenders, boda boda operators, and security agencies in efforts to recover stolen motorcycles and improve trust within the sector.
Kemei further lauded the strong working relationship between the county government and the police in addressing challenges facing the boda boda industry, saying the partnership had contributed significantly to improved security and coordination among riders.
In the event also, over 300 boda boda riders received free engine service for their motorcycles to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
By Fredrick Maritim and Ekuwam Sylvester
