Driven by interests stemming from an everyday hustling environment, BodaBoda operators in Junda Ward, Mombasa County, have joined hands to overcome the many challenges they face. The government’s directive to have all BodaBoda operators form groups and register for order and security purposes in the transport industry spurred the formation of the now thriving BodaBoda welfare group in Junda, a densely populated suburb within Mombasa’s Kisauni sub-county.
Joshua Mwambura, the Junda Ward BodaBoda operators’ chairman, acknowledges the numerous challenges faced by the operators. The most prevalent issue is the lack of financial management skills, leading to the misappropriation of the little money earned by most operators. This challenge necessitated the formation of a welfare group where members make savings and can seek small credits.
“Not every registered BodaBoda operator is a member of the financial welfare. However, most are attracted by our achievements and apply to join at a certain point,” says Joshua Mwambura, known by his alias Jay Jay in the area. The welfare group now boasts a membership of a thousand operators.
The group opened a joint savings account with Tabasuri Sacco, enabling them to run several projects. According to the chairman, the BodaBoda operators’ welfare has assisted members in times of emergency health conditions, burials of loved ones, and other issues. The group holds meetings to deliberate on welfare-related matters and invites mentors from the Sacco sector to provide financial education. Some members have utilized this knowledge to start small investment projects such as broiler rearing, building living houses, and paying school fees for their children. Additionally, the welfare has sponsored formal driving training and traffic rules education for over a hundred youths.
“Our welfare also plays a significant part in ensuring security in this area. Since most of the operators are youths, we sensitize them to avoid unethical dealings that might tarnish the reputation of the entire sector,” Mwambura said. He acknowledged that the BodaBoda sector is striving to improve its public image after a few individuals were involved in criminal activities in the past. Any operator within the Junda BodaBoda operators’ area of jurisdiction exhibiting questionable behavior is warned or forced to stop operating. “He might face the law as well,” he concluded authoritatively.
Financial constraints forced the group to hire a small office space for operations. The office, though small, is well-arranged and equipped with several computers and a printer. The secretary, a young lady named Sharon, doubles as the office attendant and housekeeper. She also performs cyber activities.
“I get paid from here, which covers some of my bills. (Si unajua form ya vijana ni ku – hustle) You know the hustle is real for the youth,” she giggled, expressing gratitude for her job. This highlights the power of cooperatives in creating job opportunities for the youth.
The chairman called upon government stakeholders, sponsors, and charities to assist the group in establishing its flagship economic projects, including a social and conference hall and public toilets.
