Embu: Boda Boda Riders in Embu town have a reason to smile after receiving a Sh. 3 million donation from President William Ruto.
According to Kenya News Agency, the donation came following a request from Governor Cecily Mbarire to the President to support them during his recent visit to the county as part of his weeklong development tour of the Mt Kenya Region. Governor Mbarire, speaking while handing over the funds to the riders' leadership on Thursday alongside Kirimari Ward MCA Ibrahim Swaleh, expressed gratitude to the president for keeping his pledge.
She stated that the funds would significantly support various economic empowerment initiatives being undertaken by different groups in the sector. Governor Mbarire emphasized the sector's importance in driving the economy and reiterated the government's commitment to empowering them through targeted economic programs to ensure continuous growth.
MCA Swaleh encouraged the riders to utilize the funds wisely by investing in income-generating activities. He expressed hope that the funds would leave a lasting impact on the lives of the boda boda operators through proper investment.
The operators' Chair, Benjamin Mukundi, highlighted that they had identified key projects, such as starting a filling station. He mentioned that they had requested Governor Mbarire's assistance in securing a piece of land for this purpose and were hopeful of acquiring one soon.
In addition, the President pledged to support porters, commonly known as 'beba beba', with Sh. 1.5 million to purchase carts. This donation has also been delivered to the group.