Boda Boda Operators Call For Support To Unlock Sector’s Full Potential As Ruiru Riders Receive New Motorbikes

By John Kamau

Boda boda operators in Ruiru have called on the government to create a more enabling environment for the motorcycle transport sector, which they say holds immense potential in combating unemployment and driving economic growth.

The riders who gathered at the Ruiru NG-CDF offices during a motorbike handover ceremony, emphasized the need for structured support to help the industry thrive.

Boda Boda groups within Bishara ward received some 30 motorbikes to boost their income courtesy of the National Government through the ongoing economic empowerment programme under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Currently, the boda boda industry directly employs over one million Kenyans, with thousands more earning a living through auxiliary services such as spare parts sales, mechanics, and fuel vending.

The operators led by their Chairman James Kariuki maintain that with better policies and infrastructure, the sector can create even more jobs and significantly contribute to the national economy.

“The boda boda sector holds a huge potential which if unlocked can create thousands of jobs and thereby assist the Government in addressing the perennial joblessness crisis and especially among the youth in the country. We only want better policies, a conducive environment to operate in, improved infrastructure and any other support in kind from the government,” Kariuki said.

They urged the government to treat the sector as a strategic economic pillar noting that with the right policies in place, boda bodas can be more than just transport but a real source of sustainable employment.

“The amount of revenue that this sector generates for the government is enormous and therefore it’s high time the government recognizes it and extend support including lowering of taxes on spare parts to enable the sector to thrive and grow,” the Chairman said.

He at the same time hailed the Kenya Kwanza administration for the support accorded to them through the empowerment programme noting that it will go a long way in boosting their income and improve their living standards.

Area Member of Parliament Simon King’ara who distributed the 30 new motorcycles to various boda boda cluster groups as part of a government-backed empowerment initiative aimed at uplifting grassroots livelihoods, termed it as transformative adding that it will help turn around the region’s economy.

In his speech, the MP noted that the boda boda industry is unique and deserves targeted attention from policymakers.

“Boda Boda operators are pivotal stakeholders in our country’s transport sector and they deserve support from the government and all other relevant authorities to spur their businesses. The Govertnment is already making critical interventions geared towards creating an enabling environment for the operators to boost their business,” King’ara said.

He emphasized that continued investment in the sector is critical to reducing joblessness, especially among youth.

He also used the opportunity to urge residents to support the current administration, insisting that it has demonstrated genuine commitment to uplifting ordinary citizens.

The MP called on the youth as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in in the region to take advantage of the government’s NYOTA program, saying that it is a game-changer for youth-led businesses.

The program — National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) — is a government initiative funded by the World Bank aimed at enhancing youth employment, boosting income, and promoting savings.

It targets vulnerable youth between the ages of 18 to 29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities, across all 47 counties in Kenya.

“The Government has embarked on diverse initiatives aimed at empowering citizens and especially the young generation. I appeal to all of you to seize this opportunities and access state funds to initiate your own income-generating ventures,” King’ara said.

He at the same time criticized opposition leaders for what he termed as spreading misinformation, cautioning constituents against falling for political propaganda.