Boda boda operators in Githurai have pledged to strengthen savings and investment initiatives aimed at improving their economic welfare while supporting community development programs, including mentorship for young boys.
The commitment was made during a meeting attended by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, local leaders, and representatives of boda boda associations from several wards, including Mwea, Wendani, Sukari, Kiu and Mwiki. The gathering highlighted the growing role of the boda boda sector in economic empowerment and community organization.
Leaders of the riders’ groups explained that they have adopted structured savings systems and digital payment platforms to ensure transparency and accountability. They said members contribute funds collectively through mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa pay bill numbers to eliminate concerns about misuse of funds by officials.
According to the leaders, the approach allows every member to monitor contributions while ensuring that the funds are invested in productive ventures such as land purchases and business development.
“We have agreed to work together and pool our resources. Every member contributes through a pay bill so the money goes directly to the account. That way there is transparency and no one has to worry about the treasurer misusing funds,” one of the leaders told the gathering.
The boda boda groups revealed that with the financial support and seed funding from the county government, they have already begun investing in assets that will secure their economic future.
Among the achievements highlighted was the purchase of land valued at approximately KSh9.4 million through a collective investment initiative. Leaders noted that some of the plots initially acquired for about KSh74,000 have since appreciated significantly, demonstrating the benefits of collective investment.
The riders also disclosed that they have facilitated training and licensing for more than 850 young people from different wards in the sub-county. The initiative enabled the youth to obtain driving licences and join the transport sector as a means of livelihood.
Additionally, through their SACCO structure, the group has helped members acquire motorcycles, with at least 20 bikes already financed for operators. Plans are underway to provide six more motorcycles before the end of the year.
During the meeting, youth leaders also appealed for support to launch mentorship and empowerment programs targeting the boy child.
They proposed organizing regular mentorship seminars for boys aged between 11 and 19 years, with the aim of guiding them through adolescence and equipping them with life skills.
The organizers said they intend to raise about KSh200,000 to support the program, which would be held periodically and offered free of charge to participants.
“When you empower the boy child, you empower the entire community,” one youth representative said. “We want to organize mentorship programs every few months so that these young boys can grow into responsible citizens.”
Local leaders and community representatives praised the county government for supporting the boda boda sector, noting that the initiative has helped many young people earn a livelihood.
Former Ruiru constituency Member of Parliament Esther Nyambura Gathogo also addressed the gathering, applauding the progress made in the sector and urging continued collaboration between riders and the county administration.
She commended the expansion of healthcare and development projects in the area, saying they would benefit residents from several neighbouring communities.
Other leaders present urged riders to continue working together through organized groups and SACCOs to strengthen their financial stability and protect their investments.
Speakers at the event emphasized unity among boda boda operators, encouraging members to support one another and make prudent use of the financial opportunities available to them.
Governor Wamatangi assured the riders of continued support from the county government, noting that the boda boda sector remains a key driver of employment and economic activity for young people across the county.
He urged the operators to expand their investment initiatives, maintain transparency in their financial systems and continue empowering fellow youth through mentorship and cooperative ventures.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for cooperation among boda boda groups and leaders, with participants expressing optimism that their collective efforts would transform the sector into a strong economic force while contributing to community development.
