Kenya’s boda boda sector, with its 1.8 million riders, is a crucial contributor to the economy, generating approximately Sh1 billion daily.
On Monday 26th June, 2023 in Nairobi, President William Ruto launched the Boda Boda Care program that will see riders benefit from a number of government programs including government sponsored training, NHIF Coverage among others.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) during the launch, the Head of State revealed how he had spent a personal contribution of Sh250 million to boda boda harambees within the last ten years, even before becoming president.
Inside the Boda Boda Care
The program will see the training of 200,000 riders from all 47 counties will receive training to enhance their skills, professionalism, and adherence to traffic rules.
NHIF Coverage for 116,000 boda boda riders who will benefit from free NHIF family cover for themselves and their families.
Introducing 10,000 electric boda bodas by September 1, 2023. This aims to aid in the transition from fuel motorcycles to cleaner and more efficient electric bikes, reducing the demand for fuel.
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the National Youth Service and county governments to lower training and licensing costs for boda bodas from Sh8,000 to Sh2,500.
Import duties for boda boda-related equipment and components will be reduced from 35% to 10% to foster local production of bodaboda. Additionally, there is a reduced 10% tax on Lithium-Ion batteries and motors to encourage the adoption of electric boda bodas.
The Boda Boda Care also puts in place a framework to formalise boda boda operations through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to provide financial security and access to affordable credit for operators to expand their businesses and upgrade their vehicles.
