More than 500 boda-boda riders in West Pokot County have received financial literacy training to help them manage their earnings, meet loan obligations, and safeguard their livelihoods. The training, organised by Mogo Kenya in partnership with the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), focused on budgeting, cash-flow management, understanding loan agreements, and planning for regular repayments. This initiative aims to equip riders with essential skills to make informed borrowing decisions and sustain their businesses.
The training comes against the backdrop of concerns over loan repayment, with the Central Bank of Kenya’s Financial Sector Stability Report indicating that the gross non-performing loan ratio in the banking sector stood at 15.6 per cent in March 2026. Industry estimates indicate that about 2.4 million motorcycles are in use in Kenya, with 68.4 percent financed through digital and asset-based credit. This highlights the importance of responsible borrowing for sustainable motorcycle ownership.
Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi emphasized that financial literacy is essential for boda-boda riders, as motorcycles financed through credit are the main source of livelihood for many riders. Ngigi advised riders to understand the cost of credit, manage their daily income, and plan for loan repayments to keep their motorcycles productive and maintain financial stability. She also urged riders facing difficulties to engage their financiers early rather than remaining silent.
BAK President Kevin Mubadi stressed the importance of financial literacy for boda-boda operators, who depend on their motorcycles to earn a living and support their families. Mubadi said collaboration between riders, financiers, and industry associations could strengthen financial management among operators and enable them to make informed borrowing decisions. He also urged security agencies to work closely with boda-boda operators, who are important partners in providing security information.
West Pokot County Commissioner (CC) David Saruni urged boda-boda operators to join organised groups to benefit from government programmes targeting the sector. He commended county boda-boda leaders for helping to organize and regulate operators, which has contributed to reducing cases of motorcycle theft. Saruni also urged riders to observe traffic laws and regulations and avoid compromising law enforcement officers.
The boda-boda sector is estimated to generate about Sh660 billion annually, supporting more than 2.5 million jobs and contributing approximately 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product. West Pokot County Boda Boda Chairman Moses Loitasiwa welcomed the financial education programme, saying it would help operators make better decisions regarding their earnings and borrowing. Loitasiwa urged riders to understand loan terms before taking financing and maintain communication with financiers whenever their income is affected.
The Kapenguria training is part of a wider financial literacy programme by Mogo Kenya and BAK that has reached boda-boda operators in counties across the Nyanza, Mt Kenya, Western, Eastern, and Rift Valley regions. The initiative seeks to equip operators with financial management skills to enable them to manage credit responsibly and sustain their businesses. Mogo Kenya is part of Eleving Group, a global FinTech company operating in 17 countries across three continents.
Key points
- The training aims to equip riders with essential skills to make informed borrowing decisions and sustain their businesses.
- The boda-boda sector contributes approximately 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and supports more than 2.5 million jobs.
- Industry estimates indicate that about 2.4 million motorcycles are in use in Kenya, with 68.4 percent financed through digital and asset-based credit.
