Bodaboda operators at their waiting shed/HANDOUTThe lack of customised insurance packages for Bodaboda sector have left the industry grappling with expensive insurance, with some operating without insurance.
With an estimated average of 588 accidents involving boda boda’s every month, according to "Fare Price; An Investigation into the Health Costs of Motorcycle Taxi Crashes in Kenya" the sector has not been a darling to insurance players.
Under Kenyan law, all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must have at least third-party insurance coverage.
Expendo Mobility team during a sensitisation exercise for bodaboda riders/HANDOUT However, many Boda Boda riders struggle to access affordable insurance, leaving them vulnerable in case of accidents.
Expendo Mobility, a micro-insurance provider, is looking to step in to bridge this gap with tailored solutions for mobility workers.
According to Expendo Mobility Director Paul Mwandoe, many riders operate in high-risk environments with little to no financial protection.
“Traditional insurance is often too expensive, rigid, or complicated for their needs. Healthcare access is limited, and out-of-pocket expenses can be financially devastating," Mwandoe said.
A boda rider being taken through the Expendo Mobility cover/HANDOUT "Riders lack flexible plans, clear communication, and claim processes that cater to their daily hustle."
Priced at just Sh50 per week, Hosi Bill covers hospital bills, accident-related injuries, and even last-expense benefits.
The plan is mobile-friendly, allowing riders to enroll via WhatsApp or field agents, with fast claims processing and dedicated support.
Unlike conventional insurers, the CEO says Expendo works closely with SACCOs and corporate partners to reach riders directly.
The company has also introduced Lipa Pole Pole, a flexible payment model that lets riders pay in installments, making insurance more accessible.
Additionally, Expendo has partnered with companies like Kiri EV and Ebike Africa to integrate Hosi Bill into fleet offerings.
Looking ahead, Expendo plans to expand to Nyeri, Kibra, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Mombasa, targeting more than 13,000 new riders.
Future initiatives may include asset financing, savings programs, and wellness benefits.
Mwandoe envisions Expendo as a market leader in micro-insurance, aiming to cover 100,000+ riders across Africa while advocating for safety and policy improvements.
"We’re not just a service—we’re a movement," he says, emphasizing the company’s commitment to empowering informal workers.
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