Over 700 boda boda operators of Soysambu Mitua Sacco in Tongaren constituency, Bungoma County have a reason to smile after 61 motorcycles were purchased for them, in a move aimed at making them self dependent. The Sacco chairman Mr. Enoch Masinde said that each member had contributed Kshs 100 per day for sometime and this was channeled towards buying the motorbikes.
He said those who employ riders sometimes demand at least Kshs 300 per day, regardless of the Covid-19 effects on the economy, seeing it as exploitation. The area MCA Stephen Wafula Wamalwa, who is the patron of the Sacco said they spent over Kshs 4 million to purchase 31 motorbikes in the second phase of the project, and lauded the initiative which he said will provide a good platform for the operators.
He also lashed at the government for not providing NHIF cover for Covid-19 patients, saying people in the society like boda boda riders won’t be able to manage the exorbitant charges. He said focus should shift from the BBI report to the Covid-19 pandemic since the country can do without Constitutional amendments.