Boda boda lobby seeks audience in ongoing probe by House team

Thursday, April 18th, 2024 07:00 | By

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has formally reached out to the Clerk of the National Assembly expressing their desire to participate in an ongoing inquiry by the Finance and National Planning Departmental Committee regarding the sector. PHOTO/Print

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has formally reached out to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, expressing their desire to participate in an ongoing inquiry by the Finance and National Planning Departmental Committee regarding the sector.

This association, claiming to be the duly registered representative body of Boda-Boda service providers nationwide, aims to contribute to the investigation led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, initiated following a query by Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro last February.

Munyoro sought clarification on government measures to regulate Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) credit providers, including addressing concerns related to rogue lending institutions infringing on consumers’ rights.

Following recent committee deliberations involving another Boda Boda Association, the Boda-Boda Safety Association of Kenya has expressed its intention to participate actively.

In a letter penned by Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi to the National Assembly Clerk, the association seeks parliamentary intervention to ensure their representation as the legitimate Boda Boda umbrella association.

“It is disheartening to learn from media reports that the finance committee has met with individuals claiming to be the National Boda Boda leadership, causing widespread discontent among the Boda Boda leadership across 47 counties due to clear misrepresentation,” said Mubandi.

Addressing the concerns, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning confirmed its consideration of enacting regulations to govern BNPL credit providers, particularly in light of the challenges faced by Boda-Boda operators due to exploitative lending practices.

Committee chair Kuria Kimani assured affected operators of a thorough investigation and encouraged them to come forward with their grievances.

Kimani revealed plans for the committee to collaborate with the Competition Authority of Kenya and the Insurance Regulatory Authority to explore avenues for tightening regulations governing lenders.