More than 600 boda boda riders from Siaya County converged at Nyakasumbi Primary School in Bondo on Saturday for a community event combining sport, road safety education and financial literacy training.
The initiative sought to improve rider safety, strengthen financial resilience and help reduce motorcycle-related accidents.
The event was organised by Mogo Kenya, East Africa’s leading motorcycle and smartphone financier, in partnership with Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj) and the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), as part of efforts to support the growth and professionalisation of Kenya’s boda boda sector.
The day-long programme featured football matches, tug-of-war contests and a mechanics’ skills challenge, giving riders an opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders before participating in practical sessions on responsible borrowing, loan management, motorcycle security and safer road use.
Riders also received reflective jackets to improve their visibility on the roads and participated in Mogo’s Elewa Mkopo Wako campaign, which promotes responsible borrowing, timely loan repayment and early engagement with financiers when customers experience financial difficulties.
As part of a free service camp delivered in partnership with Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj), riders received complimentary motorcycle servicing, including free engine oil and labour from expert mechanics.
The initiative was designed around a “Pocket, Heart and Mind” approach, helping riders save on maintenance costs, enjoy a community experience through games and prizes, and gain confidence knowing their motorcycles had been professionally serviced.
Twenty local mechanics also showcased their expertise in a technical skills competition, while riders competed in football and tug-of-war contests aimed at promoting teamwork and strengthening relationships within the boda boda community.
At the close of the event, Mogo Kenya and Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj) jointly donated a motorcycle to Boaz Ajuoga, Sub-County Chairman of the Boda Boda Association, to support local association activities and community initiatives for riders in the area.
The Bondo outreach follows a similar programme held in Kisumu during last weekend’s FIFA World Cup final, where thousands of boda boda riders and football fans participated in road safety and financial literacy sessions before watching Spain defeat Argentina 1-0.
Speaking during the event, Chrispus Omondi, Bondo Branch Manager at Mogo Kenya, said supporting riders goes beyond financing motorcycles and includes equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build safer and more sustainable businesses.
“The boda boda sector supports millions of Kenyans and plays a vital role in connecting people and businesses every day. Beyond financing motorcycles, we want to help riders operate safely, manage their finances responsibly and build businesses that can sustain their families,” Omondi said.
“By taking these conversations directly into communities and working alongside our partners, we are helping riders make informed financial decisions while promoting safer roads for everyone.”
He added that Mogo’s community outreach programmes complement the company’s commitment to responsible lending by encouraging customers to understand their loan obligations, seek support early when they encounter financial challenges and prioritise safety in their daily operations.
“Road safety and financial literacy go hand in hand. Riders who understand how to manage their finances are better placed to invest in their businesses, maintain their motorcycles and operate safely. Through partnerships such as these, we can contribute to safer roads while supporting the livelihoods of the people who keep Kenya moving,” he said.
Kemboi, representing Auto Industries Limited (Bajaj), said the company’s free service camp was designed to provide practical value while enhancing rider safety and wellbeing.
“Our approach is centred on the rider’s pocket, heart and mind. We ease the burden on their pockets by providing free oil and labour, allowing riders to save on routine maintenance costs,” he said.
“We engage their hearts by creating an exciting community experience where they can participate in activities and win various gifts during the free service camp. We also give them peace of mind by ensuring their motorcycles are professionally serviced by expert mechanics, so they leave knowing their bikes are in good condition and ready for the road.”
Kevin Mubadi, Chairman of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), welcomed the initiative, saying it addresses some of the key challenges facing riders across the country.
“Initiatives like this go a long way in improving the livelihoods of boda boda riders. By combining road safety education, financial literacy and free motorcycle servicing, our members gain practical knowledge while reducing the cost of maintaining their businesses,” Mubadi said.
“We appreciate Mogo Kenya and Bajaj for investing in the welfare of riders and look forward to expanding similar programmes to more counties.”
According to Viffa Consult’s Kenya’s New Boda Boda Boom report, the boda boda industry generates an estimated KES 660 billion annually, contributes about 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and directly supports more than 2.5 million livelihoods.
Despite its significant economic contribution, the sector continues to face serious safety challenges. Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that boda boda riders, passengers and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of Kenya’s approximately 4,000 annual road deaths, underscoring the need for sustained investment in rider education, safety awareness and responsible riding practices.
Mogo said it will continue working with industry players and rider associations to roll out similar community outreach programmes across the country as part of its broader commitment to improving road safety, strengthening financial literacy and supporting the long-term growth of Kenya’s boda boda sector.
