KNEST Urges Mombasa Boda Boda Riders to Save for Retirement

Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST) has stepped up efforts to encourage boda boda riders in Mombasa to save for retirement. The trust says informal sector workers need long-term financial security despite irregular incomes.

KNEST held the campaign during a free motorcycle servicing exercise organised with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), Mogo, Bajaj, and Definite Assurance.

The event also included road safety and financial literacy sessions.

KNEST Targets Retirement Savings Gap

KNEST Deputy Director of Communications Lucy Kamau said the scheme helps informal sector workers build retirement savings. She noted that most riders do not receive employer-funded pensions.

“KNEST has been created with the entrepreneur in mind,” Kamau said.

She said members save from as little as Sh50 a day. She added that the scheme allows members facing emergencies to withdraw up to 30 per cent of their savings.

“If you happen to have an emergency, KNEST has catered for you as an entrepreneur, and you can get 30 percent of what you invested,” she said.

Kamau said KNEST launched in December 2025 and has attracted about 1.5 million members nationwide.

She urged riders to register through KNEST’s USSD service, website, or mobile application.

KNEST Targets Retirement Savings Gap

Hundreds of boda boda operators also received free motorcycle servicing during the event.

Mombasa County Boda Boda General Chairman Samuel Ogutu said mechanics serviced nearly 500 motorcycles, regardless of make or model.

“The exercise has brought relief to our riders, especially at a time when operating costs continue to rise,” Ogutu said.

Mogo Area Sales Manager for Mombasa Angela Mohamed urged boda boda operators to wear helmets and reflective jackets whenever they use the road.

Bajaj Regional Sales Manager Maxwell Mogire said the servicing campaign aimed to reduce the financial pressure created by rising fuel prices.

He said the event also included a mechanics’ skills competition for trained technicians.

BAK Urges Riders to Avoid Political Violence

Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi urged riders to avoid political violence as the country approaches the next election period.

He asked operators to report suspicious activity to police and avoid attacking motorists or bystanders after road accidents.

Mubadi warned that assaulting people or damaging property after a crash turns a traffic incident into a criminal offence.

What the Scheme Means for Mombasa Riders

Many boda boda operators in Mombasa have no formal retirement cover. KNEST hopes small daily contributions and limited emergency withdrawals will encourage more riders to start saving for old age.