Vihiga: How 50-Bob Saving Challenge Turned Boda Boda Riders Into Matatu Owners
- From boda boda stages to matatu ownership, a group of determined riders in Vihiga is proving that small savings can fuel big dreams
- Through their Sacco, members now boast of owning vehicles and land bought from pooled contributions
- Their inspiring journey is a powerful reminder that unity and discipline can turn everyday hustlers into proud investors
Just a few years ago, most of them spent their days navigating Vihiga’s hilly roads on boda bodas, carrying passengers for a few shillings to make ends meet.
Source: Facebook
Today, the riders are proud owners of matatus, pick-ups, and even parcels of land, thanks to a bold decision to save together.
How Vihiga County Boda Boda Association started
Frankline Muchile, chair of the Vihiga County Boda Boda Association and a founding member of the Sacco, told TUKO.co.ke that the Sacco was registered in 2019.
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It all started when a group of riders came together to form Vihiga Boda Investments, a small idea fueled by hope and determination.
What started as modest monthly contributions grew into something bigger, and by 2021, the group had officially registered a Sacco.
Today, the Vihiga County Boda Boda Sacco has over 1,000 individual members and 110 groups working together with one mission: to change their story.
“We wanted to prove that boda boda riders are more than just hustlers on the road. With discipline and unity, we can own assets and build wealth,” he says.
Source: Facebook
How members contribute
The Sacco’s model is simple but powerful: each member contributes a minimum of KSh 500 per month, while an investment wing runs a KSh 50 daily savings challenge.
Over time, the pooled funds have transformed dreams into reality.
So far, the members have purchased seven vehicles: one saloon car, a pick-up, and five matatus.
Beyond the vehicles, the Sacco has also invested in land, a three-acre parcel in Mbale Municipality and a plot in Chango.
How do members benefit?
Muchile explained that the benefit of being part of the Sacco is that members save and, in return, get loans for their personal development projects.
"Our members get loans at a very low interest rate of 1.2% monthly reducing balance. We are also buying assets for individuals and groups to support their income," he added.
For the riders, these milestones represent more than just assets. They are a symbol of dignity, proof that a group often overlooked can chart a path to prosperity.
“When I see our matatus on the road, I feel proud,” says one Sacco member. “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a reminder that my contribution, however small, is building something bigger for all of us.”
Source: Facebook
Future plans for Vihiga County Boda Boda Association
Muchile believes the journey has only just begun. The goal is to expand into larger investments, possibly housing projects and bigger transport ventures.
As the group continues planting seeds for the future, they hope to rewrite the story of boda boda riders in Vihiga County.
From dusty roadside stages to boardrooms where investment plans are drawn, they are showing what can happen when ordinary people come together and dream beyond the handlebars of their motorbikes.
Boda boda sector transforming lives
A recent research conducted by Viffa Consult showed that the boda boda industry is among the main drivers of Kenya's economy.
The sector's exponential growth was attributed to financial inclusion accelerated by an increase in fintechs.
Watu Credit Country Head of Commercial, Chris Rumenda, told TUKO.co.ke that the adoption of electric motorcycles had enhanced the sector through sustainable operations.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
