Toxic relationship between financiers, boda boda sector

A boda boda rider checks his motorbike at the parking lot during the Pakakumi Road Safety Campaign aimed at sensitising boda boda riders on the vital role they play in upholding safety and caution on our roads. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Erick Massawe, Watu Credit Country Manager, recalls an incident where a boda boda rider hid his bike under the bed, well-covered with a blanket, and reported it stolen.

There was another incident where a rider buried his bike and also reported it stolen. The rider had even rehearsed a story with his mother, who visited Watu Credit offices while weeping, Massawe says.

"The motivation for such cases is that some customers want to take advantage of our systems designed to help them. All our mobility assets have comprehensive insurance. Once we establish a theft case is genuine, we will go and claim," he says.