Watu Credit, County security agencies, and the County Government of Taita Taveta have joined forces to address surging motorcycle (boda boda) theft cases.
Speaking in Voi town during a BodaBoda clinic, Watu Credit Country Manager Eric Masawe said the cooperation aims to develop strategies to combat the rampant theft of motorcycles.
The company has held consultative meetings with the Governor, County Commissioner and security apparatus.
They have also held sensitization meetings with Boda boda riders on taking precautions when carrying passengers, especially at night.
The meeting comes barely days after Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime suspended the activities of Watu Credit Limited and Mogo Credit Company to facilitate an investigation into reports of the involvement of their staff in the theft of motorcycles.
After the stakeholders meeting, Governor Mwadime allowed Watu Credit to continue with operations pending the completion of investigations.
“There is a surge in motorcycle theft and the killing of riders. As an asset financing stakeholder, we condemn the heinous acts. We want to bring all the stakeholders together to end the problem that affects our customers, the community, and our company,” said Masawe.
The company refuted claims of conniving with thieves to steal motorcycles they had sold. Watu Credit Country Manager said they have been able to hand over 54,000 log books to motorcycle owners who have finished servicing their loans.
“Since the start of the year, we have received 17 cases of motorcycle theft in Voi. Out of which 12 are less than six months old, meaning the thieves are targeting new motorcycles, not old ones,” said Masawe.
“As a credit company, whenever our customers have lost a motorcycle, they report it to us. We have an emergency unit that works with the customer to follow up with the police until it is found,” he added.
As a result of the company’s cooperation with the police, they have been able to recover 50 per cent of the stolen motorcycles and return them to customers. Those that are not found because they have insurance cover the company processes a claim.
“The customer has an option to be paid or get a new motorcycle. In the last 12 months, we have given out 600 motorcycles as replacements and insurance claims of Sh45 million,” although there are cases where customers lie to get insurance payments,” explained the Watu Credit Country Manager.
He affirmed that their business model is to empower small business people.
President of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), Kelvin Mbadi, encouraged riders to register themselves according to stages as a way of tackling theft and ridding the sector of criminals masquerading as riders.
He said plans are underway to sensitise Boda Boda riders on drugs and security. He further urged them to have the contacts of security chiefs in their counties.
By Sadik Hassan
