BY MANUEL ODENY

Mogo, East Africa’s leading asset financier, has rolled out a series of financial literacy training sessions for boda boda operators across the Nyanza region, aimed at promoting responsible borrowing and improving riders’ financial wellbeing.

The training programme targets operators from six counties — Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Kisii and Nyamira — and is designed to help riders grow their income sustainably while avoiding the debt traps often associated with uninformed borrowing.

Through practical, easy-to-understand sessions, Mogo is equipping riders with the knowledge they
need to make sound financial decisions and manage loans responsibly.

As part of the initiative, Mogo has also introduced the Mogo App, a mobile application that enhances transparency and gives customers greater control over their loans.

The app allows users to view payment schedules, track instalments, monitor arrears or overpayments, and download payment statements — ensuring borrowers remain informed throughout their loan journey.

The programme targets boda boda operators as well as county and sub-county boda boda chairpersons across the region. It builds on successful trainings already conducted in Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

“Mogo has been at the forefront of championing the welfare of boda boda operators,
whose contribution to the economy cannot be ignored,” said Sheila Wangari Nuni, Community and Events Manager at Mogo.

“Through financial literacy, we aim to empower riders to increase their income, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

The training sessions cover the full loan lifecycle — before, during and after borrowing.

Key topics include when it is advisable to take a loan, borrower responsibilities, how interest rates are calculated, and what happens when repayments cannot be met.

“Our goal is to ensure that boda boda operators, especially SACCO chairpersons, clearly understand our processes so they can make informed decisions and responsibly guide their members,” she added.

Boda boda leaders who attended earlier sessions in Kakamega welcomed the initiative, saying the Mogo App will improve transparency between operators and the financier.

“The financial training will help our members focus on growth and avoid debts that have negatively affected their lives and families,” said Jack Omondi, Boda Boda Chairman, Migori County.

“The Mogo App is also good news because it puts repayment information directly in the hands of our members, improving transparency and trust.”

According to a recent Viffa Consult report, boda boda operators earn an average of Ksh1,100 per day, yet many struggle to save or meet household needs due to poor financial planning and the burden of unsustainable debt.

The report recommends integrating loan programmes with tailored financial education that addresses the diverse needs of operators. While core training should focus on budgeting, saving and managing business expenses, advanced modules on debt and credit management, savings and investment strategies, and pathways to formal business creation are also critical.

Such targeted financial education initiatives are key to helping boda boda operators build
sustainable livelihoods and achieve long-term financial security.