By Jabali Media
Over 100 boda boda riders in Western region can breathe a sigh of relief, afterfinally receiving their logbooks from Tugende Kenya, signifying the start of an exciting journey as motorbike owners.
They received the all-important documents, during an event held at Tugende Kenya offices in Kisumu on Saturday, after a year plus of paying for the motorbikes through the higher purchase plan.
According to Eric Kalai, Tugende Kenya Operations Manager, a rider with a logbook has many options, including using the document to acquire a loan that may give him or her a new lease of life.
“We are quite intentional in ensuring that our customers get their logbooks as soon as they are done with their higher purchase contract, because thereafter clients are either interested in using the same to acquire loans or sometimes, they may want to dispose of their assets for different reasons,” he stated.
Most of their clients across the country, he said, have either cleared their higher purchase plans with Tugende to acquire a bike, or they're in the process of doing the same, applauding it as a precursor to their growth as an enterprise.
Kalai said they are in the process of exploring the opportunity of going into three wheelers (tuk tuks) in the region, adding that a similar initiative is currently running in Mombasa and Machakos counties.
“So, we are really looking forward to rolling it out also in Kisumu to support that other segment of the society,” added the Operations Manager.
Judith Olang’o, Tugende Kenya Kisumu branch manager said the secret to getting a logbook is being consistent in meeting the terms and conditions.
Some of the boda boda riders with their logbooks. Photo/JM
“It is all about discipline. If you have paid a deposit and you have taken an asset, it is important to pay on time so that you can eventually own your asset.”
On his part, Jacob Ochieng, Kisumu boda boda association chairman said on average, it takes 18 months to fully pay for a motorbike loan.
“Some people take two years, others 18 months while others take 2 and a half years to clear payment, depending on the challenges one faces. Averagely, it takes 18 months,” said Ochieng.
John Amalemba, a resident of Nandi County was among those who received his logbook after seeing through his payment plan in 1 year and 6 months.
Tugende is a social enterprise formally established in Uganda in 2012, before spreading its tentacles to Kenya.
The enterprise uses asset finance, technology, and a customer-centric model to help informal sector entrepreneurs’ own motorbikes.