The ongoing heavy rains across Kenya have turned daily life into a struggle for many in rural areas. For boda boda riders, the backbone of local transport, the weather often means choosing between their health and their daily bread.
In response to these challenges, Citizen TV Senior Political Reporter Stephen Letoo, through his SLF (Stephen Letoo Foundation), has stepped in to provide much-needed relief in his native Kilgoris constituency.
A Shelter in the Storm
The journalist recently revealed a series of donations aimed at protecting riders from the elements.
Taking to his Facebook page, Letoo confirmed that his foundation has constructed and donated several boda boda shades across various stages in the region.
The areas benefiting from this initiative include:
- Karda
- Poroko
- Masurura
- Enentekeny
- Sikawa
- Endonyo Oonkopit
"Heavy rains ongoing in various parts of the country have rendered businesses in rural Kenya nearly impossible. SLF donated boda boda shades... to shelter our riders," Letoo shared in a post.
Simple Structures, Significant Impact
The shades themselves are built with a focus on durability and local materials. Photographs shared by the reporter show a rustic yet functional design.
READ ALSO: Stephen Letoo Leads Kilgoris MP Polls: Is the Citizen TV Reporter Running in 2027?
The structures feature sturdy wooden pillars made from natural timber posts, supporting a roof of corrugated iron sheets. A prominent black wooden banner spans the front of each shade.
On these banners, the names of the stages and the donor are hand-painted in bold, white block letters.
One such structure, the Karda Boda Boda Shade, sits along a muddy red-earth track surrounded by lush greenery. It provides a dry waiting area for riders and a place for passengers to board without being drenched.
The simple addition of a wooden bench inside the shade allows riders to rest between trips.
Political Undertones and 2027 Ambitions
While the donations are primarily humanitarian, they have inevitably fueled discussions about Letoo’s future. The reporter is widely tipped to be eyeing the Kilgoris parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Letoo is a seasoned political reporter with over 10 years of experience in mainstream media. Before joining RMS’s Citizen TV, he worked at Kiss TV where he covered the 2013 General Election among other major events across the country.
These community projects are seen by many as a way of strengthening his grassroots connection.
As the 2027 election cycle slowly approaches, such initiatives by public figures continue to blur the lines between corporate social responsibility and political groundwork.
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