Members of the Githurai Bodaboda Welfare Association have secured a Ksh 5.4 million asset financing package from Equity Bank Kenya in a deal expected to make the riders move from daily earners to asset owners.
The members of Githurai 45 Kimwi Welfare which is a sub-unit of the association, have acquired 12 new motorcycles, a seven-seater van and land purchases in a move further backed to help unlock long-term economic opportunities for members.
“Today we have received 12 motorcycles and a van that will expand business opportunities and create employment. We repay these facilities as a group, which allows us to spread risk and make credit affordable. Previously, many of our members faced frustration accessing loans, but structured group models have opened doors to sustainable financing,” said Githurai Bodaboda Welfare Association Sub-County Chairman John Macharia.
According James Githinji Kingori, a beneficiary and bodaboda operator, joining the group has transformed his financial prospects.
“For three years, I have been operating someone else’s motorbike, and that meant a significant portion of my daily income went directly to the owner before I could meet my own needs. Despite working long hours, what remained for my family and savings was very little. Through joining Githurai 45 Kimwi Welfare, I am now able to access my own motorbike at a fair market rate under structured financing. This gives me dignity and stability because I am now building my own asset and securing my future.”
He added that organised groups are also restoring order within the sector by self-regulating to ensure accountability among its members.
The association brings together 3,600 members across Githurai and Roysambu sub-counties, with members contributing Ksh 100 daily throughout the year to build a sustainable savings pool.
The association has also established Githurai Limited Company, an investment arm comprising 50 members, which has acquired two parcels of land valued at Ksh 9 million with Ksh 15 million financing support. Additionally, Githurai 45 Transport Cooperative Society Sacco, with 300 members, has secured Ksh 6 million worth of land to develop housing units.
Kennedy Muguna, Nairobi West Regional Manager at Equity Bank, reiterated the importance of group structures saying riders are able to scale up progressively.
“The objective of joining a group is to foster economic advancement in a structured and sustainable manner,” Muguna said. “An operator who starts with one motorcycle can progressively grow to two or three and eventually diversify into other assets such as vehicles. Through partnerships with organised and registered groups, financial institutions are better positioned to extend asset financing efficiently and responsibly,” he noted.
Benignas Muema, General Manager for Pamoja Banking at Equity Bank, collective structures and financial literacy enhances partnerships such as one with the Githurai Bodaboda Welfare Association.
“By joining registered groups, bodaboda operators gain the collective strength required to access facilities at affordable rates,” said Muema. “The financing model allows risk to be shared at the Sacco or group level, which enhances repayment discipline and sustainability. However, before extending credit, we prioritise financial education because knowledge is the foundation of long-term success,” said Muema.
She emphasised the need to cultivate a savings culture among youth.
“Many young riders generate daily income but lack structured systems that compel them to save and invest. Through group-based models, we provide financial literacy training to empower them to plan, save and invest consistently. Our clarion call remains clear: save something for tomorrow, whether it is Sh50, Sh100 or Sh200. Consistent saving is the pathway to financial security and wealth creation,” she added.
