Boda-boda riders in the across the country have been urged to maintain peace and order in their areas of operation as the country enters the 2027 electioneering period.
Boda-boda Association of Kenya national executive chairperson Kevin Mubadi said the sector is always the worst hit during chaos and skirmishes that ground transport operations.
He was speaking at Nyakasumbi primary school grounds in Bondo town during a community event that combined sport with road safety and financial literacy training in an effort to improve rider safety, strengthen financial resilience and reduce motorcycle-related accidents.
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.
” I want to ask our members in the country to ensure they maintain peace especially during the upcoming 2027 campaign period. You all know that boda-boda operators are likely to go to bed hungry during skirmishes because there are no customers to be ferried. Our jobs depend on peace,” Mubadi said.
He cautioned the operators against being used by the political class to fight their opponents saying the politicians will dump the riders in the event that they find themselves in trouble with the law or are injured and need financial support.
” I know as the boda-boda people we are the easiest targets for the politicians to use to disrupt opponents campaigns. Do not let anyone misuse you because when you find yourselves in trouble they will be nowhere to stand with you. Most of them have established families with children studying abroad while you have small families still struggling to make it in life” Mubadi added
The national chairperson on the other hand observed that boda-boda operators in the country have remained peaceful and have not been incriminated in any sporadic political violent incidences reported in the country
” I want to commend our members for not getting involved in any chaotic incidences in the country so far. The are a number of reforms in the sector and unlike before our members no longer attack motorists when an accident involving one of them occurs “he revealed.
The national chairman defended Boda-boda loaning companies against accusations that they are behind the rampant theft of motorbikes that they have loans out to customers.
” I want to categorically state that these companies invest more than shs 60 billion in their businesses and it would not make sense for them to steal a motorbike worth shs 100,000/= from a customer. I acknowledge that our motorbikes are being stollen and because 90% of motorbikes in the country are serviced through loans, it is highly likely that any motorcycle stollen would be from one of the loaning companies” Mubadi said
He asked boda-boda operators to join hands with the security personnel to weed out boda-boda thieves whom he said are hiding amongst them.
Mubadi was flanked by the Siaya county boda-boda chairperson David Achola Odhiambo who reiterated that the operators should not allow themselves to be used to cause chaos because they need a peaceful environment for their business to thrive.
Speaking during the event, Mogo Kenya’s Bondo branch manager, Omondi Oloo 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 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,” he said.
He 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,” said Oloo.
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.
The occasion was also attended by Mogo Kenya’s head of public relations, Beck Ngigi and the head of after sales at the Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj), Geoffrey Kemboi.
Comment here