More than 20,000 boda boda riders in Kisumu County will from next year be required to register with SACCOs operating within their respective wards, in a move aimed at restoring order and improving safety in the sector.
The Kisumu County Boda Boda Association chairman, Jacob Ogamba, said no rider will be allowed to operate without a special identification card that will be issued through the SACCOs.
Ogamba said every ward in the county already has an established SACCO, and all riders must be registered to continue operating. He warned that those who fail to comply will be barred from the roads.
According to Ogamba, the directive is intended to streamline operations and weed out criminals who have been hiding within the boda boda community. “This move will help restore sanity and ensure only genuine operators remain on the roads,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Nationwide MSME training programme concludes as 94 business clusters begin mentorship phase
He spoke during the reopening of the Kisumu County Boda Boda Association offices, which were fully renovated by Mogo after a fire destroyed the facility. The offices shall serve as a central point for coordination, dispute resolution, welfare services and administrative support for hundreds of riders.
Mogo’s Nyanza regional manager, Margaret Waithaka, said the company remains committed to supporting boda boda operators across Kenya. She noted that Mogo has been instrumental in helping riders acquire motorcycles at affordable rates and access flexible loans.
“We are committed to empowering riders through financial literacy, responsible borrowing and community programmes that address social challenges,” she said.
During the reopening, Mogo also organized a tree‑planting exercise, a free motorcycle service clinic and engagement activities for riders.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo welcomed the reforms, saying they will help uplift the welfare of riders while reducing crime in the county. He said the SACCO‑based system will enhance accountability and improve coordination among operators.
ALSO READ:
Land, school fees and agriculture loans drive SACCO lending surge in Q3 of 2025
Riders thanked Mogo for supporting the reconstruction of their offices and for offering favourable financing terms. One of Mogo’s partners, Bajaj, donated a brand‑new motorcycle to the association’s chairman during the event.
According to a recent Viffa Consult report, the boda boda sector generates an estimated KSh 660 billion annually, equivalent to 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP. The industry employs more than 2.5 million people and provides critical income for households across the country. Western Kenya accounts for a significant share of these riders.
By Fredrick Odiero
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
