Watu Credit and the County Government of Taita Taveta have partnered to address the ever-increasing motorcycle (boda boda) theft cases.
Speaking in Voi town during a Boda Boda clinic Watu Credit Country Manager Erick Massawe said the cooperation aims to come up with strategies to combat the rampant theft of motorcycles.
The company has held consultative meetings with the Governor, County Commissioner and the security apparatus.
The company has held sensitization meetings with Boda boda riders on the need to take 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 a possible 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. The Governor absolved Watu Credit staff of any theft claims.
“Watu Credit can continue with their operations as our investigation has shown that the company is not involved in any crimes. We thank them for mobilising the security and bodabodas for enhanced vigilance,” Governor Mwadime said.
“There is a surge of motorcycle theft and 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, community and our company,” said Massawe.
The company refuted claims of conniving with thieves to steal motorcycles they have sold. Watu Credit Country Manager said they have been able to hand over 54,000 log books to motorcycle owners who 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 Massawe.
“As a credit company when our customers have lost a motorcycle they report 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 process 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 they are cases where customers lie to get insurance payment,” explained the Watu Credit Country Manager.
He affirmed that their business model is to empower small business people to enable them contribute economic development.
On his part, President of Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) Kevin Mubadi 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 sensitize Boda Boda riders on drugs and security. He further urged them to have the contacts of security chiefs in their counties.
