Over 800 boda boda riders in Kericho County have been equipped with financial literacy skills to help them manage their earnings, meet loan obligations and safeguard their livelihoods.
The training, organized by Mogo Kenya in partnership with the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) focused on practical financial skills, including budgeting, cash-flow management, understanding loan agreements and planning for regular repayments.
The boda boda sector is estimated to generate about Sh660 billion annually and supports more than 2.5 million jobs. It also contributes about 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) according to industry estimates.
In an interview with the press following the boda boda operators training outreach held at a meeting hall in the outskirts of Kericho town, Mogo Kenya Events and Community Manager Sheila Wangari said the company recognizes that every motorcycle it finances represents more than just a means of transport for its owner.
“Behind every motorcycle we finance is a person who depends on it to earn a living. It is their workplace, their business and in many cases, the source of income that supports an entire family,” she said.
She added that the initiative was aimed at helping the riders succeed beyond acquiring the motorcycle.
“Understanding the cost of credit, managing daily income and planning for repayments can make a significant difference in keeping the motorcycle productive and the rider financially stable,” said Wangari.
Wangari said riders should not view their financier only as a source of credit but also as a partner they can engage when their circumstances change.
“When a rider experiences a difficult month, the most important thing is not to remain silent. Speaking to the financier early creates an opportunity to understand the available solutions before a temporary setback becomes a bigger problem,” she said.
Wangari said the programme was being rolled out from county to county to equip boda boda operators with practical financial skills to manage their daily income, make informed borrowing decisions and stay on track with loan repayments.
BAK President Kevin Mubadi said financial literacy was important for riders because of the central role motorcycles play in supporting their families.
“Our members depend on their motorcycles every day to earn a living and support their families. It is therefore important that they understand the financial commitments with motorcycle ownership and know what steps to take when they encounter difficulties,” said Mubadi .
Kericho Boda Boda Chairman Peter Kigen said financial education would help riders make informed decisions about their earnings and borrowings, particularly given the day-to- day nature of their businesses.
“A boda boda rider earns and spends money every day, so without proper planning it is easy to use money meant for loan repayment on other immediate needs. Training like this helps our members understand the importance of setting money for their obligations while still providing for their families,” said Kigen.
Kigen further emphasized that the riders also needed to understand their loan terms before taking financing and maintain communication with their financiers whenever they experienced challenges.
“Most riders want to keep working and paying their loan terms before taking financing and maintaining communication with their financiers whenever they experience challenges,” said Kigen.
Present also was the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kipchebor ward Eric Bett commended Mogo Kenya, BAK and the Kericho Boda Boda Chairman who commended Mogo Kenya, BAK and the Kericho Boda Boda leadership for organizing the training.
He urged the riders to put the lessons into practice, saying financial discipline was essential in ensuring their motorcycles remained productive businesses and a reliable source of income for their families.
The Kericho training is part of a wider initiative by Mogo Kenya and BAK to promote financial literacy and responsible borrowing among boda boda operators across Kenya.
The initiative comes as motorcycle financing remains a major source of credit for riders across Kenya. Industry estimates indicate that of the 2.4 million motorcycles in use in the country, 68.4 per cent are financed through digital and asset-based credit.
The high level of financing makes responsible borrowing and loan management critical for riders who depend on motorcycles as their main source of income.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya’s Financial Sector Stability Report, the gross non-performing loan ration in the banking sector stood at 15.6 per cent in March 2026, highlighting continued pressure on borrowers to meet their repayment obligations.
Mogo Kenya is a leading financing company expanding access to quality, affordable and flexible credit for motorcycles, cars and other income generating transport solutions and while also offering smartphone financing and check-off loans.
The company is part of Eleving Group, a global Fin-Tech operating in 17 countries on three continents, with a more than 90 branches, over 1,700 employees and 2,200 dealers in Kenya.
by Sarah Njagi
