By KPC Reporter
Aasset financier, Mogo, has rolled out a financial literacy training programme targeting boda boda operators across the Nyanza region, in a move aimed at promoting responsible borrowing and improving riders’ financial wellbeing.
The programme, dubbed “Elewa Mkopo Wako” (Understand Your Loan), is designed to guide riders through the entire loan journey—from deciding when to take a loan, managing repayments, to handling financial challenges when they arise.
Speaking during a training session held in Kisii County, Sheilah Wangathi Munyi, Community and Events Manager at Mogo Kenya, said the initiative seeks to empower riders with practical knowledge that will help them make informed financial decisions.
“We have brought an education programme called Elewa Mkopo Wako to teach people about loans—when to take a loan, what to do when facing repayment challenges, and how to manage their finances responsibly,” Munyi said.
Munyi noted that Mogo has introduced a mobile application that enables customers to track their loans in real time.
“Our app is transparent. Customers can clearly see how much they have paid, how much remains, and how far they are in completing their loan,” she added.
She identified failure to read and understand loan agreements as one of the biggest challenges faced by both borrowers and the company.
“Many people come in with emergencies and want quick money. They sign agreements intending to read them later. We strongly encourage customers not to leave our offices before fully reading and understanding the terms,” she said.
Munyi emphasized that borrowers should only take loans whose terms are favourable and manageable. She added that Mogo allows loan restructuring in genuine cases of hardship.
“If a customer is hospitalised, their motorcycle breaks down, or they are unable to pay due to unavoidable circumstances, they can explain their situation and we restructure the loan to give them more time,” she explained.
She further clarified that in the event of a borrower’s death before completing repayment, responsibility is transferred to the next of kin named in the agreement upon presentation of a death certificate.
Mogo Kenya Brand Manager Nafthael Nyambane said the training primarily targeted boda boda chairpersons, equipping them with knowledge on loan restructuring and use of the Mogo App so they can guide other riders.
Nyambane revealed that all motorcycles financed by Mogo are fitted with tracking devices to enhance security.
“The tracker enables us to trace motorcycles in case of theft. If your tracker is switched off or not functioning, visit the nearest Mogo office for activation or repair,” he said.
He also reminded customers of Mogo’s 24-hour emergency hotline, 0719 089 999, urging riders to call whenever they need assistance.
Kisii County Boda Boda Chairman Jared Onsari Oirere welcomed the programme, saying it addressed long-standing concerns among riders regarding transparency and loan management.
“We have previously raised issues with Mogo about challenges riders face when taking loans. In the past, some were paying without knowing their remaining balances. The new app has greatly improved transparency,” Oirere said.
He disclosed that Kisii County has nine sub-counties and two municipalities, with about 56,000 active boda boda riders, operating across 186 stages in 45 wards.
Oirere also urged riders to uphold discipline and professionalism on the roads.
“We are advising our youth to avoid drugs, respect women, and shun noisy exhausts and dangerous multi-colour lights that affect visibility. All riders must attend driving school and obtain valid licences to help reduce road accidents,” he said.
According to a Viffa Consult report, boda boda operators earn an average of KES 1,100 per day, but many struggle with savings and household expenses due to poor financial planning and unsustainable debt.
The report recommends integrating loan programmes with tailored financial education on budgeting, saving, debt management, investment strategies, and pathways to formal business growth.
