Motorcycle taxi riders have been cautioned against engaging in criminal activities, with sector leaders urging them to work closely with security agencies to combat motorcycle theft and restore public confidence in the industry.

Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) Founder and National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi warned riders against allowing criminal elements to infiltrate the sector, saying responsible conduct and cooperation with law enforcement agencies were essential in improving safety.

Mubadi spoke during a sensitisation meeting attended by over 600 riders, where stakeholders also addressed motorcycle security, road safety, responsible borrowing and financial planning.

He urged the operators to observe traffic rules, avoid reckless riding and report suspicious activities to their leaders and security agencies, noting that criminal activities associated with some operators were tarnishing the reputation of the entire sector.

The Association, he said, was working with motorcycle credit financier Mogo to improve security, including helping riders’ access tracking services through their mobile phones.

Mogo Public Relations Representative, Becky Ngige, urged riders to ensure their motorcycle tracking devices were functional and to promptly report suspicious incidents.

She said the company was collaborating with security agencies and international partners to address motorcycle theft, including cases involving cross-border criminal networks.

Ngige also encouraged riders to understand the terms of their financing agreements before taking loans, warning that failure to appreciate repayment obligations, penalties and other conditions could expose them to financial difficulties.

She said customers struggling to repay their loans could seek restructuring arrangements, adding that repossession was considered a last resort after other options had been exhausted.

“We want to equip the riders with the information they need so that the loans they take from Mogo can help them achieve their dreams,” Ngige remarked.

Meanwhile, Mubadi challenged riders to manage their daily earnings wisely, saying the ability to generate income should be matched by discipline in spending and saving.

He observed that some operators spent all their earnings without setting aside money for emergencies, business expenses or their future needs.

Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST), Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, Lucy Kamau, encouraged riders to establish a savings culture to cushion themselves when they are no longer able to work.

Kamau said self-employed workers, particularly those in the informal sector, needed to plan for retirement instead of relying entirely on their daily earnings.

She encouraged riders to make regular contributions according to their income, noting that they could start with small amounts and increase their savings as their financial circumstances improved.

“We encourage them to invest their money, and they can contribute as little as Sh50, Sh100 or Sh200, depending on their daily income,” she said.

Kamau added that members could access part of their savings for emergencies, subject to the scheme’s terms, while continuing to prepare for retirement.

She also encouraged other self-employed Kenyans, including market traders and domestic workers, to consider structured savings plans.

Murang’a County Bodaboda Chairman, Peter Mwangi, welcomed the sensitization initiative, thanking Mubadi and Mogo for engaging local operators on security, financial management and responsible business practices.

Mwangi urged riders who had not joined the association to register and participate in initiatives aimed at promoting road safety, discipline and professionalism.

The meeting sought to equip operators with practical information to protect their motorcycles, manage credit responsibly and build sustainable livelihoods while distancing themselves from criminal activities.

 by Bernard Munyao and Ann Kendi