Nambale: Leaders led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have urged boda boda riders to join SACCOs and invest in income-generating projects to improve their livelihoods and achieve long-term financial stability. Speaking at Mungatsi Primary School in Nambale Sub-county during a boda boda empowerment forum on Saturday, Wetang’ula said the recently launched Shirikiana Digital SACCO offers riders an opportunity to save, access affordable loans and plan for their future.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wetang’ula emphasized the benefits of the Shirikiana Digital SACCO, highlighting its digital nature and the ease of borrowing without guarantees. He encouraged riders to see this as a pathway to personal and family progress. Wetang’ula further praised the role of boda boda operators in transforming rural transport and advised them to adhere to legal standards in their operations.
Wetang’ula also urged riders to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to gain skills that could enhance their job prospects both locally and internationally. His call was for riders to balance work and education to better compete for job opportunities.
The president’s aide, Farouk Kibet, underscored the need for security agencies to protect riders from criminal attacks and reminded operators to comply with laws. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot criticized some financing companies for exploiting riders with unfair loan terms, calling for stricter regulation.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma encouraged riders to secure national identity cards and register as voters, emphasizing the government’s investment in the sector through empowerment initiatives. Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya highlighted the economic significance of the boda boda sector and called for ongoing empowerment efforts.
Mulanya also rallied support for President William Ruto’s re-election, citing developmental achievements in Busia County. Teso North MP Oku Kaunya urged riders to invest empowerment funds in SACCOs and income-generating ventures, advising against squandering the financial assistance.
