Lari: Lari Member of Parliament Mburu Kahangara has launched a Sh1m boda boda empowerment programme aimed at improving the welfare of motorcycle taxi operators in the constituency.
According to Kenya News Agency, each ward will initially receive Sh200,000 under the scheme, which seeks to enhance financial stability, safety, and the overall wellbeing of boda boda riders. The initiative, which was unveiled today at Kijabe ward, is intended to expand gradually to reach more operators across the constituency.
Speaking during the launch, Kahangara urged boda boda ward leaders to establish functional savings and credit co-operatives like Saccos. He said that such institutions would enable riders to access affordable loans, insurance, and savings products while also promoting financial discipline and collective bargaining power. ‘I encourage you to consider establishing functional ward Saccos, which I believe will be of great help in accessing financial help from the government and other stakeholders,’ Kahangara said.
He added that organized groups would be better positioned to negotiate for support and to strengthen the economic resilience of the riders and their families. The legislator also used the event to review development projects implemented in Kijabe ward over the past three years. He highlighted progress in education, roads, security, and social welfare, saying that the constituency had made significant strides in improving basic services.
He further pledged that the empowerment programme would be extended to all wards in Lari, ensuring equitable access to government support. ‘We will continue with these empowerments in all our areas to ensure that everybody gets government support to uplift their standards,’ the MP stated.
The launch was attended by boda boda leaders, local administrators, and residents who welcomed the initiative as a step towards empowering young people and improving transport services in the constituency. David Maina, a boda boda rider from Kijabe ward who attended the launch, said the support would make a significant difference in their livelihoods. ‘With this programme, we can now think about saving and even accessing loans to expand our work. For many of us, this is the first time we are being included in such opportunities,’ he said.
Boda boda operators form a critical part of Kenya’s transport sector, providing last-mile connectivity and employment opportunities for young people. However, they often face challenges related to financial exclusion, lack of insurance, and safety concerns. The initiative in Lari constituency is designed to address some of these gaps by formalizing the sector through Saccos and structured financial programmes.
Kahangara concluded the event with a call for unity and resilience among operators, saying, ‘Bado tunasonga,’ to affirm continued progress in community development efforts.