As the world waited with bated breath for the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, nearly 6,000 football fans, boda boda riders, motorists and families gathered in Kisumu for more than just football.
Hosted by Mogo, the free community event blended road safety education, financial literacy, entertainment and sport in a day-long celebration that culminated in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina.
The event transformed football’s biggest occasion into a platform for promoting safer roads, responsible financial management and stronger partnerships between boda boda riders, law enforcement agencies and the wider community.
From 9am until the final whistle, riders, security officers, motorists and football enthusiasts participated in a packed programme that combined sport, business education and family entertainment, reflecting the central role the boda boda industry continues to play in Kenya’s economy.
Organised by Mogo, East Africa’s leading motorcycle and smartphone financier, in partnership with the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), Bajaj, TVS, Abson and Definite Assurance, the event was hosted in conjunction with Kisumu Boda Boda Association.
Designed as a free community event, it brought together boda boda riders, motorists, football lovers and local residents from Kisumu and neighbouring counties.
Car owners also joined the celebrations through a dedicated “Park and Chill” experience before watching the World Cup final on giant screens.
Football tournament
The day’s activities began with a friendly football tournament between boda boda riders drawn from across the Nyanza region and officers from the National Police Service at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground.
The match sought to strengthen trust between riders and police while encouraging greater collaboration in tackling motorcycle theft and other security challenges that continue to affect the sector.
The football matches were followed by interactive training sessions on road safety, financial literacy and loan management.
Riders received practical guidance on responsible borrowing, budgeting, business management and strategies for growing sustainable businesses.
They also learnt about motorcycle financing, check-off loans and recovery services for stolen motorcycles.
Speaking during the event, Mogo Kenya Deputy Country Manager Branton Mutea said the company deliberately chose the FIFA World Cup final because it presented a unique opportunity to reach thousands of people at one time.
“The FIFA World Cup brings people together like no other sporting event. We wanted to use that excitement to share practical lessons on road safety, responsible financial management and the importance of working closely with law enforcement agencies. We believe the knowledge shared today will benefit riders, their families and the wider community long after the tournament has ended,” he said.
Mutea said the Nyanza region remains one of Mogo’s strongest markets, making Kisumu an ideal location for the initiative. He added that the company intends to roll out similar community programmes in other regions where it operates as part of its broader commitment to supporting customers and promoting safer roads.
“Our commitment goes beyond financing motorcycles. We are investing in the long-term success of our customers by equipping them with knowledge that helps them grow their businesses, protect their assets and improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Kevin Mubadi, National Chairman of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya, said the boda boda sector has evolved into one of Kenya’s most important economic pillars and urged riders to uphold professionalism.
“The boda boda industry is no longer an informal activity for people with no direction. It is a key contributor to Kenya’s economy and supports millions of families. Riders must obey traffic laws, respect customers and conduct themselves responsibly if the sector is to continue earning public confidence,” he said.
Collaboration
Kisumu Central Officer Commanding Station Benson Matheka welcomed the initiative, saying it had strengthened relationships between the police and boda boda operators while enhancing community policing.
“When police officers and boda boda riders interact outside their normal duties, they build trust and understanding. That makes it easier to share information, fight crime and improve safety within our communities. Boda boda riders have become valuable partners in supporting security efforts through information sharing and cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Beyond the educational sessions, the event featured tug-of-war competitions and other recreational activities before performances by Prince Indah and Elisha Toto entertained the crowd. As night fell, an estimated 6,000 fans watched Spain edge Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final on giant screens, bringing the day to a memorable close.
The event also boosted the local economy, with food vendors, small traders and other informal businesses enjoying brisk business throughout the day as thousands of visitors thronged Kisumu’s central business district.
According to Kenya’s New Boda Boda Boom report by Viffa Consult, Kenya’s boda boda industry is one of the country’s largest informal sectors, generating an estimated KES 660 billion annually and contributing about 4.4 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The sector directly supports more than 2.5 million livelihoods through transport services, trade and related businesses.
Despite its significant economic contribution, the industry continues to face serious safety challenges. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), boda boda riders, passengers and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of Kenya’s approximately 4,000 road fatalities each year.
Road crashes cost the country an estimated five per cent of GDP, equivalent to more than KES 450 billion annually, highlighting the need for sustained road safety initiatives targeting motorcycle operators..
