Kisii: At least 56,000 boda boda riders in Kisii County are set to benefit from a digital platform designed to help them track their loan payment status following their completion of financial literacy training. The riders, spread across 1,086 stages, have been trained to use a new mobile application called ‘Mogo App’ to monitor their daily repayments, addressing a significant challenge posed by the lengthy duration of loan payments.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County boda boda Chairman Jared Oirere commended the asset financier for developing the application during a press meeting with boda boda leaders from the region’s nine sub-counties. Oirere highlighted that the platform will resolve a major issue of tracking loan payments and balances, thus reducing conflicts with lending companies that sometimes lead to the repossession of motorbikes. He also called on lending organizations to exhibit patience with riders as they work to clear their loans and to collaborate with leadership to tackle any issues that arise.
Oirere advised boda boda riders to avoid substance abuse, including illicit brews, to prevent road accidents, and to steer clear of defiling school-going girls. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of not installing noisy devices that disrupt activities in health and learning institutions. He also highlighted the necessity for riders to attend driving lessons to ensure familiarity with road safety measures.
Kisii region Mogo Sales Manager Naftal Nyambane explained that the training covered loan restructuring, reasons for accruing files on loans, and the use of the ‘Mogo App.’ Nyambane encouraged riders to take loans only when necessary and to thoroughly read and understand loan agreements before signing. He pointed out that the motorbikes provided by Mogo come with trackers for security purposes, urging riders with faulty trackers to seek repairs at the office. In case of theft, riders are encouraged to contact the emergency number 0719089999 and visit the office to review payment terms if unable to meet loan obligations.
Sheila Nuni, Mogo’s Communications and Events Manager, stated that the mobile application was developed to enhance transparency with clients, facilitating seamless payments. She noted that a lack of understanding of agreements is a major challenge, especially in emergencies when clients postpone reading agreements. Nuni mentioned that loan restructuring options are available for situations such as hospitalization, motorbike repairs, or impoundment by police, aiming to provide riders with additional time to resolve such issues.
According to a recent report by Viffa Consult, boda operators earn an average of Sh11,000 per day. However, many struggle with saving or meeting household needs due to poor financial planning and unsustainable debt. The report suggests integrating loan programs with tailored financial education to address operators’ diverse needs. Core training should encompass budgeting, saving, and managing business expenses, while advanced modules should cover debt and credit management, savings and investment strategies, and pathways to formal business creation.