Mogo Kenya, in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, has trained over 500 boda boda riders from Machakos and Nairobi counties on road safety and financial literacy, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce deaths and injuries linked to road traffic accidents.
The training forum, held in Mlolongo, Machakos County, brought together riders from across Machakos and parts of Nairobi. The sessions focused on promoting safer riding practices, adherence to traffic regulations, and raising awareness of insurance options that can help riders manage medical costs in the event of accidents.
Participants also received financial literacy and road safety materials to reinforce the lessons beyond the training session.
Beyond safety awareness, the initiative incorporated practical support aimed at improving riders’ working conditions and wellbeing. Auto Industries Ltd provided free motorcycle servicing and bike washing. Riders were also issued reflector jackets to enhance visibility on the roads and received essential items, including food supplies.
The programme further addressed broader sector challenges, including economic empowerment through SACCOs, pension savings awareness, social protection, and behavioural change.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, boda boda riders, their passengers, and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of the approximately 4,000 road fatalities recorded annually in Kenya. However, fatalities in some counties go unreported, with estimates suggesting the actual number could be three to four times higher—potentially exceeding 12,000 deaths each year, alongside thousands of injuries.
Road crashes also impose a significant economic burden, costing Kenya an estimated 5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to over KES 450 billion annually.
Machakos ranks among counties with high traffic fatalities, alongside Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Makueni, and Kericho.
Speaking during the training, Fernandes Kariuki, Product Marketing Manager at Mogo Kenya, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing and sustainability of the boda boda sector.
“Boda boda riders play a critical role in Kenya’s economy, connecting communities to opportunities. While we have supported many riders through affordable financing for motorcycles and smartphones, road accidents often wipe out these gains due to high treatment costs and lost income. This training equips riders with knowledge on safe riding and financial protection,” he said.
He added that improving road safety not only protects lives but also ensures operators can continue earning and supporting their families.
BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi noted that the association is working closely with partners to strengthen safety awareness and reduce accidents involving boda boda operators.
“Many of our members depend entirely on this sector for their livelihoods, yet road crashes continue to claim lives and cause serious injuries. Through partnerships like this, we are educating riders on responsible riding and financial planning,” he said.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which prioritises training road users—including boda boda riders—as a key strategy to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent over the next four years, in line with the United Nations Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).
The boda boda sector remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, generating an estimated KES 660 billion annually and contributing approximately 4.4 per cent of the country’s GDP. The industry directly employs over 2.5 million people, providing vital income for families and communities nationwide.
Through this initiative, Mogo Kenya and the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya aim to strengthen road safety awareness while supporting the sustainability and long-term growth of one of Kenya’s most critical transport and livelihood.