Over 2500 boda boda riders in Tigania West are set to establish a major association aimed at streamlining the sector.
Speaking during a meeting of leaders drawn from various boda boda groups in the five wards of the sub county, they said they will be launching an umbrella association so as to unite the members.
During the meeting held at Kirindine social hall, the leaders vowed not to be misused by politicians and companies to advance their own interest without directly benefiting.
“We have in the past been misused by political parties, politicians and companies to help them advance their interests. They have been using us like moving billboards by issuing reflectors with messages about themselves and even advertising new products for the companies”, observed Ken Mwiti, the association patron.
Ken added,”We will not accept this again from either individuals, political parties or companies without mutual agreement on how we are going to benefit. We also want to grow”.
Hussein Mugwika, the vice patron of the association said among the plans they have, is establishing an investment project where they will benefit their members through a spare part shop.
He also noted that many of those in business have lost their motorbikes to the dealers who later come for the bikes after one is unable to clear the loan they borrow while acquiring them.
“Many of our members have parked their boda bodas for lack of funds for spare parts. Through the investment plans, we shall be selling them on hire purchase to save the youth who have recently entered the industry. We also want to try selling the motorbikes to members at reasonable prices opposed to those on other markets” Hussein explained.
The association chairman David Koome assured the members of their boda boda security vowing to join hands with security agents in the fight against crime.
“We call for unity across our wards so as to ensure our members are safe from boda boda theft. Our members must also desist from engaging in criminal activities, so that we can also be respected by security agents” he said.
They however said that they will work with all leaders in the region, as they await the launch set for 24th May this year at Urru Stadium.
