By Staff Reporter
Boda boda operators in Bungoma County have resolved to work closely with security agencies to curb a surge in motorcycle theft that has disrupted livelihoods and, in some cases, turned fatal.
The resolution was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Mogo Kenya, bringing together riders, local leaders, law enforcement officers and motorcycle financiers amid growing concern over violent robberies in Bungoma town and its environs.
Riders told the forum that criminal gangs, often posing as customers or fellow operators, are targeting them before stealing motorcycles—frequently using force. Several operators have been injured, while others have lost their lives in the attacks.
Brian Achebe, chairman of the Kanduyi Boda Boda Association, said the theft wave has had far-reaching social and economic consequences.
“Families are mourning, some riders are in hospital, and many have lost their only source of income after their motorbikes were stolen,” he said. “We have agreed on joint action between boda boda operators, financiers and security officers to weed out criminals within our ranks.”
Participants noted that the losses extend beyond personal tragedy, with many riders unable to service loans after their motorcycles are stolen.
To address the crisis, stakeholders proposed enhanced tracking and recovery systems, temporary loan repayment relief for affected riders with police reports, and regular safety forums to sensitise operators on high-risk areas.
Maurice Kandie, Area Sales Manager for Mogo in Bungoma, said the company has stepped up engagement with riders and authorities to stem the trend.
“As financiers, we have taken this step of engaging boda boda operators across the country to reduce theft, which has left many riders, including our clients, without a source of income,” he said.
Bungoma is among several counties experiencing a spike in motorcycle theft, alongside Busia, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Samburu and Marsabit. Security experts attribute the trend to organised criminal networks operating along border regions, porous borders, and strong demand for second-hand motorcycles and spare parts in neighbouring countries.
The Bungoma meeting follows a recent joint forum at the Suam border, where Kenyan and Ugandan security officials, boda boda leaders and financiers agreed to establish a joint committee to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve cross-border tracking of stolen motorcycles.
Participants at the Suam meeting said criminals often switch number plates between the two countries or tamper with chassis numbers to evade detection. Others dismantle stolen motorcycles and sell the parts through informal channels.
Ugandan officials reported that the problem is equally severe across the border, with more than 200 motorcycles stolen in the Sebei sub-region over the past two years, some believed to have been trafficked into Kenya.
Authorities say recent collaboration between security teams and operators has led to the recovery of some stolen motorcycles, underscoring the importance of coordinated action.
Riders and officials in Bungoma expressed optimism that sustained cooperation will help reduce theft, restore safety and protect livelihoods in the sector.
