Kisii: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mubadi urged the riders to remain neutral and desist from being misused by the politicians to perpetrate violence during political gatherings. He emphasized that the boda boda sector provides livelihoods to millions of Kenyans and should not be used to fuel violence in exchange for money.
Mubadi 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. He expressed concern over the increasing number of road fatalities in the sector, adding that failure to adhere to traffic rules poses danger not only to the pillion passengers but also to other road users.
He called on the operators to work closely with security agencies to address any conflicts that arise in their line of work, stating 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, noting that many operators did not know how to manage daily cash flows and save.
Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi noted 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 on their asset financing loans, which can lead to the repossession of the motorbike. She also urged riders to communicate with their office if they are unable to service their loans to negotiate the best option and avoid losing their motorbikes.
Ngigi added that they were leveraging a multi-sectoral approach to ensure riders are sensitized on traffic rules and road safety while working in a conducive environment. It is estimated that the boda-boda sector provides direct employment to over 2.5 million people and generates about Sh660 billion annually, contributing 4.4 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bajaj After Sales Officer Engineer Geoffrey Kemboi mentioned that the forum had provided an opportunity for the riders to service their motorbikes free of charge and promote unity among them. Kisii County Boda Boda Operators Association Chairman Jared Oirere praised the initiative, adding that riders had been sensitized on finance and road safety matters. He warned operators against carrying excess passengers or overloading luggage, which could endanger their lives and other road users.
