East Africa’s leading motorcycle and smartphone financier, Mogo, leveraged the excitement of the FIFA World Cup final to champion road safety, financial literacy and responsible borrowing among boda boda riders during a massive community event that attracted nearly 6,000 people in Kisumu.
The free public event brought together boda boda riders, motorists, football fans, security officers and families for a day-long programme that combined sports, business education and entertainment before culminating in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina on giant outdoor screens.
Organised by Mogo in partnership with the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), Bajaj, TVS, Abson, Definite Assurance and the Kisumu Boda Boda Association, the initiative sought to strengthen road safety awareness while promoting sustainable financial practices among riders, who remain a critical pillar of Kenya’s informal economy.
Activities kicked off at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground with a friendly football tournament pitting boda boda riders from across the Nyanza region against officers from the National Police Service. The match was aimed at fostering trust between riders and police while encouraging closer collaboration in combating motorcycle theft and enhancing community security.
Participants later attended interactive sessions on road safety, financial literacy, budgeting, responsible borrowing, loan management and business growth. Riders also received information on motorcycle financing, check-off loans and recovery services for stolen motorcycles.
Speaking during the event, Mogo Kenya Deputy Country Manager Branton Mutea said the company intentionally aligned the initiative with the FIFA World Cup final to maximise public engagement and deliver practical life-changing lessons to thousands of participants.
“The FIFA World Cup brings people together like no other sporting event. We wanted to use that excitement to share practical lessons on road safety, responsible financial management and the importance of working closely with law enforcement agencies. We believe the knowledge shared today will benefit riders, their families and the wider community long after the tournament has ended,” Mutea said.
He noted that Nyanza remains one of Mogo’s strongest markets, making Kisumu the ideal venue for the initiative, adding that the company plans to replicate similar community outreach programmes across other regions.
“Our commitment goes beyond financing motorcycles. We are investing in the long-term success of our customers by equipping them with knowledge that helps them grow their businesses, protect their assets and improve their livelihoods,” he added.
The National Chairman of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya, Kevin Mubadi, challenged riders to uphold professionalism, saying the industry has become one of the country’s most significant economic drivers.
“The boda boda industry is no longer an informal activity for people with no direction. It is a key contributor to Kenya’s economy and supports millions of families. Riders must obey traffic laws, respect customers and conduct themselves responsibly if the sector is to continue earning public confidence,” Mubadi said.
Kisumu Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Benson Matheka lauded the initiative, saying it had strengthened cooperation between police officers and boda boda operators while reinforcing community policing efforts.
“When police officers and boda boda riders interact outside their normal duties, they build trust and understanding. That makes it easier to share information, fight crime and improve safety within our communities. Boda boda riders have become valuable partners in supporting security efforts through information sharing and cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” Matheka said.
Beyond the educational sessions, participants enjoyed tug-of-war competitions and live performances by musicians Prince Indah and Elisha Toto before thousands gathered to watch Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final.
The event also provided a significant economic boost to Kisumu’s central business district, with food vendors, small-scale traders and informal businesses reporting brisk trade as thousands of visitors flocked to the venue.
According to Kenya’s New Boda Boda Boom report by Viffa Consult, the boda boda sector generates an estimated KES 660 billion annually, contributes about 4.4 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product, and supports more than 2.5 million livelihoods through transport services and related businesses.
Despite its economic importance, the sector continues to face major safety concerns. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data indicates that boda boda riders, passengers and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of Kenya’s approximately 4,000 annual road fatalities, while road crashes cost the country an estimated KES 450 billion, or about five per cent of GDP, each year.
Organisers said the Kisumu initiative demonstrates how major sporting events can be used as powerful platforms to promote safer roads, financial inclusion and stronger partnerships between riders, law enforcement agencies and local communities.
