Published on June 10, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Kisumu, 8th June 2024… Watu has taken a significant step to improve the operational efficiency of the boda boda sector in Kenya by beginning a countrywide donation of office equipment to county boda boda offices.
As part of efforts to support the boda boda sector and enhance its contribution to the economy, Watu has committed to donating a range of essential office equipment to all boda boda county offices in Kenya regardless of association. This will be done across the country, with the formal proclamation in Lower Nyanza, Western Nyanza, and subsequently, Coast, Nairobi, and Central Kenya boda boda offices in June, ensuring each office is adequately equipped to meet the needs of its community.
The provision includes laptops, office tables, printers, customer service benches, and office chairs, which will significantly enhance the operational facilities of these offices and enable them to serve their communities more effectively.
Speaking after furnishing the Kisumu County boda boda office, Watu Kenya Country Manager Erick Massawe said the office equipment will enable the office to better serve their members by offering services such as safety training, organizing members into savings cooperatives and improving safety standards for riders and passengers through a self-regulation framework.
“Our goal is to empower the boda boda offices with the tools they need for efficient management and improved service delivery. Many offices have been struggling due to a lack of proper facilities, and this equipment distribution is a step towards addressing those challenges,” Mr Massawe said.
To mainstream the boda boda sector, Watu has organized boda boda riders into various units across the country, consisting of 17,000 stages and county offices. These units are designed to help regulate the sector, provide a platform for members to give feedback on service delivery, and address social concerns such as widespread boda boda theft and the use of boda bodas in criminal activities.
“With the new equipment, we are now better positioned to serve our members and the greater Kisumu community. We are grateful for Watu’s generous donation and for empowering us to self-organize,” Kisumu County Boda Boda Chairman Jacob Ogambo said.
Boda boda riders are required to register with a local stage—each with its own chairman, rules, and regulations—where they operate and maintain records. These stages are critical for the free movement of riders within designated areas for a nominal fee.
During the donation event, Watu also engaged with the boda boda chairpersons of the surrounding counties of Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Ngishu, Bomet, Kisii, Migori, Homabay and Trans Nzoia. This engagement underscores Watu Credit’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing the needs of the boda boda community at a grassroots level.
Watu is a leading asset finance provider offering innovative financial solutions to help Kenyans acquire motorbikes and other assets through a buy-now-pay-later arrangement. This model has enabled Kenyans, including those excluded by mainstream financial institutions, to acquire two—and three-wheeler motorbikes and other assets, including mobile phones.
