Mombasa Boda Boda Sensitized on Investment and Literacy Training

Boda boda riders from Kenya's coastal region have been urged to report criminals posing as motorcycle taxi operators as they received training on road safety, security and financial literacy aimed at curbing motorcycle theft, improving rider safety and strengthening the sector's financial resilience.

The training forum, which attracted more than 2,000 boda boda riders at Mkomani Showground in Mombasa, was organised by Mogo Kenya, East Africa's leading vehicle and smartphone financier in partnership with Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK).

It brought together riders, county leaders, national government administrators and security agencies to discuss security, road safety and financial management challenges facing the boda boda sector.

The forum comes amid growing concern over organised motorcycle theft along the Coast. Security officials revealed that criminal syndicates operating across Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Tana River and Lamu counties are targeting riders by posing as passengers before robbing them of their motorcycles.

Investigations following the arrest of two suspects in Likoni uncovered a sophisticated theft network in which stolen motorcycles are dismantled within hours, with engines reportedly sold to boat operators while other parts are distributed through illegal markets.

Participants were urged to work closely with police, local administrators and fellow riders by reporting suspicious individuals and sharing intelligence that could help dismantle criminal networks operating within the sector.

The renewed focus on security follows a recent directive by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omolo requiring the registration of boda boda operators in every county to help distinguish legitimate riders from criminals infiltrating the industry.

"Security is a shared responsibility. Boda boda operators should work closely with security agencies and local communities to identify and report criminals hiding within the sector. Working together will help protect riders, safeguard livelihoods and improve public safety," he said.

Alongside security awareness, riders received training on financial literacy covering responsible borrowing, saving, business management and asset protection to help them strengthen and grow their businesses.

BAK National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi said the Mombasa forum is part of the association's nationwide programme to equip riders with practical knowledge that improves both their safety and financial wellbeing.

"Many riders lack access to information that directly affects their businesses, from personal security and road safety to financial management. Bringing security agencies and financial institutions together gives riders practical solutions that help them protect their livelihoods while building long-term financial stability," said Mr Mubadi.

During the forum, Mogo Kenya, in partnership with Bajaj, donated a motorcycle to Mombasa County boda boda chairman Samuel Ogutu, to strengthen the association's security operations.

The motorcycle will support coordination with security agencies, rapid response to security incidents involving riders and efforts to combat motorcycle theft across the coastal region.

Mogo Kenya Mombasa area manager Angela Mohammed said the company is committed to supporting boda boda riders in Coastal Kenya by going beyond motorcycle financing to invest in initiatives that enhance their safety, protect their businesses and improve their financial wellbeing.

"Many boda boda riders in Coastal Kenya are our customers, and their success is our success. We want to see them operate safely, grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods,Supporting initiatives that promote security, financial literacy and responsible asset management helps riders protect the motorcycles they depend on to earn a living while creating opportunities for long-term economic growth for themselves and their families," She said.

The boda boda sector is one of Kenya's largest informal industries, generating an estimated Ksh660 billion annually and contributing about 4.4 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product.

It directly supports more than 2.5 million livelihoods nationwide.According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), boda boda riders, passengers and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of Kenya's approximately 4,000 annual road deaths.

The Mombasa forum supports the implementation of Kenya's National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028 and forms part of BAK and Mogo Kenya's wider efforts to build a safer, more secure and financially resilient boda boda sector through collaboration with government, security agencies and industry stakeholders.

Meanwhile Boda boda operators have further been urged to secure their retirement by joining a retirement plan at, Kenya National Enterprises saving Trust(KNEST).


Lucy Kamau,head of Communication at KNEST, said over 1.5 million riders are currently saving with KNEST which is regulated by the Retirement Benefit Authority (RBA).

#MOGO #BAJAJ #BODABODA



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