Some 200 boda boda riders in Ruiru Kiambu County have a reason to smile after actualizing their dream that was born out of a saving culture.
The 200 who operate under the Ruiru Boda Boda association umbrella met three years ago and decided to contribute Sh. 50 daily, a culture that has kept them financially disciplined.
Through their regular contribution, they were able to acquire a 5-acre piece of land which they intend to develop by putting up houses.
According to their chairman Lawrence Kariuki, the operators had been saving in a Sacco belonging to a politician but withdrew during the electioneering period to join Kamuthi Housing Co-operative Society.
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The cooperative later lent them more money to facilitate the purchase of the land. They were handed the title deed on Thursday.
Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, who has been supporting the riders, said that with proper guidance, the financially-disadvantaged members of society could rise to achieve all their dreams.
King’ara urged Kenyans to form cluster groups to benefit from readily available government funding and establish their income-generating activities.
Bishop JJ Gitahi urged the government to keep its word by continuing to support low-income earners and, in the process, alleviate poverty.
On his part, Gitothua Ward MCA John Njogu urged other riders in the country to emulate Ruiru operators and join hands to achieve their dreams faster.
