The Vihiga County Boda Boda SACCO (Vicbosa) has launched its digital platform that will streamline financial processes, improve service delivery and empower members through technology.
Developed by Car & General, it includes digital banking features, automated savings, loan management and real-time payment tracking.
The launch event took place on Saturday, May 24 with the Hon Wyycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development as guest of honour.
Vicbosa SACCO represents motorcycle taxi operators in Vihiga County, Western Kenya region. It organizes riders through skill training and upgrading which enhances safety and professionalism in the boda boda sector as well as promoting financial inclusion.
Speaking during the launch at the SACCO offices, Manyatta/Chango in Vihiga, Vicbosa SACCO Chairman Frankline Muchile said, “Our SACCO has been instrumental in leading initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the boda boda operators in Vihiga County. This digital transformation program is going to streamline our SACCO’s performance through superior service delivery to our members”.
The project is also as a result of the collaboration spearheaded by the County Government of Vihiga with the SACCO.
The occasion was also used to launch the SACCO’s five year strategic plan and the planned development of their land.
Car & General’s Chief Information Officer, Gilbert Mutai said, “The initiative, apart from enhancing operational efficiency, financial management and member services, will also provide members with secure, transparent and automated financial systems, ensuring accountability and leverage digital tools for enhanced financial inclusion.”
George Rubiri, the General Manager of Car & General (Trading) Limited said, “C&G played a pivotal role in this digital transformation that will ensure SACCO members access digital banking, automated savings, loan management, real time payment tracking and financial literacy programs. We are committed to the empowerment of boda boda and tuk tuk SACCO by streamlining financial processes for enhanced financial inclusion.”
SACCOS are crucial for motorcycle taxi industry in Kenya as they offer financial inclusion by providing services members may not access through traditional banking.
The services include regular saving and access to affordable credit.
They also provide a good collective bargaining platform, social welfare that creates a sense of community and generally develops the boda boda sector.
The boda boda industry is a critical mode of transportation that offers affordability and convenience.
The sector employs many young Kenyans and is a source of livelihood for many, contributing over 1 billion Kenya Shillings to the economy daily.
The event was also used to introduce the SACCO’s e-mobility initiative. Last year, C&G launched its e-three wheelers in Kenya and is working on an appropriate two wheeler product.
E-mobility will cut down emissions and thus alleviate challenges of climate change.
Car & General is a diversified distributor of motorcycles, three wheelers, tractors, forklifts, generators, earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa.
Distributors of TVS motorcycles and Piaggio three-wheelers, Car & General was the pioneer of the two and three wheelers as taxis in Kenya over two decades ago.
