Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK)national chairman Kevin Mubadi and his Nairobi County counterpart Charles Gichira when they announced they have developed an app called Juubike for boda boda operators. PHOTO/COURTESY
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
newsdesk@reporter.co.ke
The battle over the lucrative motorcycle taxi service commonly known as boda boda has gone hi-tech after local boda boda operators under their umbrella body Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) announced they had developed an app.
The BAK app dubbed Juubike is to compete ride-sharing firm Taxify which has introduced a new motorbike hailing service that works within their existing smartphone application being used by vehicles.
The national chairman of BAK Kevin Mubadi and his Nairobi County counterpart Charles Gichira said they are set to launch Joobike with complementary rides for their clients.
“We have decided to embrace innovation and technology in our boda boda business because that is the way business is done globally,” Mr Gichira said during a press conference at Dream Bean House in Nairobi.
Mr Chisom Anoke, Taxify Kenya Operations Manager announced recently that the firm had developed the new service in response to a growing demand for a safe, organized and reliable motorbike service.
“We are not scared of competition from Taxify because we have a countrywide network of boda boda riders who are all members of BAK,” Mr Gichira said.
The boda boda industry is emerging as one of the biggest drivers of the economy, with operators generating Sh 219 billion in revenue last year.
At the same time, the boda boda operators thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing their patron, former Lagdera MP Mohamed Muktar Shidiye as an envoy. Mr Shidiye is among new envoys appointed by President Kenyatta.
Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Muktar Shidiye who is the patron of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK). PHOTO/COURTESY
“As an association, we appreciate your decision to recognize our patron who is your diehard and consistent supporter throughout his 27 years political career,” Mr Mubadi said.
The boda boda operators also applauded President Kenyatta for agreeing to work with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“As an association we are very happy for making the wise decision to work with Mr Odinga, a move that will unite Kenyans and make the country more cohesive,” Mr Mubadi said.
The motorcycle riders’ body also pledged to support the Jubilee government programmes and activities and specifically President Kenyatta’s Big Four pillars that include manufacturing, food security, universal health and affordable housing.
“We not only support this initiative, but we are also aware that these Big Four pillars will help the Jubilee government plans to create 1.3 million manufacturing jobs by 2022 and achieve a 100 per cent health coverage for every Kenyan,” Mr Mubadi noted.
They saluted the Jubilee government for creating a conducive environment for boda boda operators and pledged to continue supporting the government.
