Busy Boda, a new motorcycle hailing startup has launched in Nairobi with the intent of bringing order to the informal sector by primarily focusing on changing the outlook of boda-boda riders into digital entrepreneurs.
The startup which is the brainchild of 20 and 22 year-old siblings Atharva Tembhekar and Vaidehi Tembhekar plans on bringing competition for other established services such Taxify Boda, Sendy, Safeboda and the soon to be launched Uber Bike. The startup, which uses an application with a similar name, will focus on both passenger and courier services. Apart from using the app to get a ride, one will be able to use the app to get a parcel delivered as well.
According to the founders, the idea of Busy Boda came after they heard cases where boda-boda riders were exploited and thus they wanted to give back to the community they both grew up in by creating an app that would create jobs, empower riders and help them grow into digital entrepreneurs.
“Busy Boda is a platform created to ensure riders don’t spend time waiting for clients at boda-boda stages. We want to encourage riders to be busier by doing more trips per day. This will increase their daily income,” said Vaidehi Tembhekar.
In a town where traffic congestion is ever a concern, Vaidehi believes Busy Boda will be able to help those who need to travel fast in such situations. “We have matatus that are a cost effective way to commute. We also have taxis that are a more expensive option but provide comfort. But what happens when you’re in traffic? Due to ever increasing congestion and traffic in Nairobi, productivity is being compromised therefore Busy Boda wishes to fill the gap with our innovative boda-boda hailing Mobile App, said Vaidehi.
Busy Boda will be taking a small commission from the riders based on the service – passenger or courier. The startup also promises to provide financial planning training to riders so they can manage their money and save to eventually buy their own motorbikes. All Busy Boda riders will also access value added services at affordable rates, with payment plans in the form of installments, which also helps riders save costs significantly in the long run.
After rolling out in Nairobi, the startup has goals to replicate the model in multiple other counties in the country.
