Boda Boda riders in Embu town have a reason to celebrate after receiving a Sh3 million donation from President William Ruto. The financial boost fulfills a promise the Head of State made during his recent development tour of the Mt Kenya Region.
Governor Cecily Mbarire officially handed over the funds to the leadership of the riders on Thursday, accompanied by Kirimari Ward MCA Ibrahim Swaleh. The Governor expressed her gratitude to the President for honoring his commitment, noting that the funds will significantly support the riders’ ongoing economic empowerment efforts.
“This sector plays a vital role in our local economy. As a government, we are committed to empowering them through focused economic programs that promote sustainable growth,” Mbarire stated.
The Sh3 million donation is expected to uplift the livelihoods of hundreds of riders who form a crucial part of the region’s transport sector. MCA Swaleh urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds prudently by investing in projects that will generate long-term income and improve their welfare.
“We are hoping the funds will leave a lasting mark in the lives of our boda boda operators through proper investment,” he said.
The chairperson of the Embu Boda Boda Association, Benjamin Mukundi, revealed that the group has already identified priority projects, with the establishment of a filling station topping their list. He added that they are engaging the county government to help secure land for the proposed project.
In addition to supporting the riders, President Ruto also pledged and delivered Sh1.5 million to assist porters, commonly referred to as “beba beba.” The funds are meant to help them purchase carts to facilitate their work.
The twin donations underscore the President’s broader agenda of economic inclusion, targeting grassroots groups that are often overlooked. Governor Mbarire emphasized that such initiatives are essential in ensuring that the benefits of development reach all corners of the society, especially those in informal sectors.
With the funding now in their hands, both the boda boda riders and porters in Embu have been presented with a unique opportunity to enhance their economic resilience and drive community development.
