Mogo rolls out financial literacy training for boda operators in Western

Yego seeks golden continental exit in Accra showpiece Athletics

TOUCHLINE COLUMN: Sh42.4m storm exposes fragile foundations of Kenyan football governance Football

Mogo, East Africa’s asset financier, has rolled out a series of financial literacy training sessions in Western Kenya aimed at empowering boda boda operators to practise responsible borrowing and improve their financial wellbeing.

The training is designed to help operators grow their income sustainably while avoiding the debt trap that often comes with uninformed borrowing.

Through the programme, Mogo is equipping riders with practical knowledge to make sound borrowing decisions and manage their finances more effectively.

As part of the initiative, Mogo has also introduced the Mogo App, a mobile application that gives customers greater transparency and control over their loans. The app allows users to access payment schedules, track installments, view arrears or overpayments, and download payment statements. This enhances transparency, convenience, and responsible repayment by keeping borrowers informed at all times.

The training targets boda boda operators and chairpersons of boda boda SACCOs across Western Kenya, including Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties.

“Mogo has been at the forefront of championing the welfare of boda boda operators, whose contribution to the economy cannot be ignored. Through financial literacy, we aim to empower riders to increase their income, support their families, and contribute to economic growth,” said Sheila Wangari Nuni, Community and Events Manager at Mogo.

The sessions cover the full loan journey—before, during, and after borrowing. Topics include when it is advisable to take a loan, borrower responsibilities, how interest rates are calculated, and what happens when repayments cannot be met.

“The goal of these sessions is to ensure that boda boda operators, especially SACCO chairpersons, clearly understand our processes so they can make informed decisions and responsibly guide their members,” she added.

Kakamega boda boda leaders praised the Mogo app, saying it will boost transparency between their members and Mogo.

“The financial training will help our members focus on growth and avoid debts that have negatively affected their lives and families,” said Bonface Okumu, Boda Boda Chairman, Busia County.

“The Mogo App is also good news because it improves transparency in repayments by putting all the information directly in the hands of our members.”

According to a recent report by Viffa Consult, boda boda operators earn an average of KES 1,100 per day. However, many struggle to save or meet household needs due to poor financial planning and the burden of unsustainable debt.

The report recommends integrating loan programmes with tailored financial education that addresses the diverse needs of operators. While core training should focus on budgeting, saving and managing business expenses, more advanced content is also critical. This includes debt and credit management, savings and investment strategies, and pathways from self-employment to formal business creation.

Such targeted financial education programmes are essential in helping boda boda operators build sustainable livelihoods and long-term financial security.