By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
The government has intensified efforts to streamline and empower the bodaboda sector by urging operators across the country to register under SACCOs, a move aimed at improving security, economic empowerment, and proper organization within the industry.
Speaking during a bodaboda empowerment forum in Busia, Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo said the bodaboda sector continues to play a major role in supporting the country’s economy through transport services and employment creation for thousands of young people.
Omollo noted that registering riders under SACCOs will help the government properly identify operators and create structured ways of supporting them economically and socially.
“We want all bodaboda operators to be registered under SACCOs across the country for proper identification and easier empowerment. This will also help reduce insecurity cases associated with the sector while improving the environment for doing business,” said Omollo.
The PS further directed all regional and county police commanders to fully implement President William Ruto’s directive ordering the release of motorbikes detained in police stations over petty offences.
“The President directed that all motorbikes being held at police stations over minor offences be released. I want to emphasize that all regional and county police commanders must ensure this directive is implemented so that our youth can continue working and contributing to the growth of the economy,” he stated.
Omollo also called for regular engagements between security officers and bodaboda operators, saying the riders are important partners in enhancing community security due to the information they gather while working.
“These operators have important information on security matters within our communities. Frequent meetings between them and security officers will help strengthen cooperation and improve security. As they provide information to us, we will also ensure they work in a safe environment without disturbance,” he added.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs Susan Mang’eni urged bodaboda riders to embrace SACCOs and a savings culture to improve their economic and social welfare.
“We want bodaboda operators to join SACCOs and begin saving so that they can improve their lives economically and socially. We understand the important role they play in building the economy of our country,” she said.
Mang’eni further emphasized the need for strong grassroots leadership structures within the bodaboda sector to ensure operators benefit from government empowerment programs.
“We want leadership in this sector to be decentralized from the grassroots level so that we can easily support young people and ensure there are proper leadership structures in place,” she added.
Paul Otuoma said the county government has set aside KSh10 million to support training programs for bodaboda operators through SACCOs and partnerships with technical institutions.
“We have allocated KSh10 million to facilitate bodaboda training through SACCOs. We are partnering with Bumbe Technical Institute and other trainers to equip operators with skills and knowledge. After the training, they will receive licenses,” said Otuoma.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot assured riders that the upcoming Finance Bill will address excessive loan repayment charges that have been affecting many bodaboda operators who purchase motorbikes through credit schemes.
“We cannot continue allowing people to repay the equivalent cost of two or three motorbikes for one loan. This will become a thing of the past because the upcoming Finance Bill will regulate loan interest rates to protect Kenyans from exploitation,” he said.
Cheruiyot added that the new regulations will not only benefit bodaboda operators but also other sectors, including civil servants borrowing through SACCOs
