Watu Simu finances 1 million devices in Kenya, promoting digital inclusion with responsible BNPL models, while supporting economic and regulatory standards.

Watu, the digital asset financing firm known for supporting Kenya’s mobility and connectivity sectors, has launched a nationwide initiative to install and repair GPS trackers on motorcycles as part of a campaign to curb rampant motorbike theft across the country.

The initiative targets the boda boda sector, which employs over 1.2 million riders and plays a crucial role in Kenya’s transport ecosystem, particularly for last-mile delivery and rural accessibility. By enhancing security through technology, Watu says it is working to protect riders’ livelihoods and increase financial stability for small businesses that depend on two- and three-wheeled transport.

“Similar to most motorcycle-dependent African economies, Kenya's boda boda sector plays a vital role in urban mobility. Watu’s initiative to safeguard customers' assets mirrors global trends in leveraging technology to improve transport security and financial inclusion,” said Chris Rumenda, Watu’s Head of Commercial, during an event to issue logbooks to customers.

Enhancing Asset Ownership Through Logbook Distribution

Alongside the GPS rollout, Watu has also launched a national campaign to distribute more than 70,000 uncollected logbooks to customers who have fully repaid their motorbike loans. The move is aimed at empowering riders with full ownership of their assets, which Watu says is key to fostering long-term financial independence.

“We are proactively facilitating the logbook collection process to ensure full ownership for our customers,” the company said in a statement. “We aim to ensure that all customers who have completed their loan repayments receive their logbooks, strengthening their financial independence.”

So far, the company has held events in Malindi and Nakuru City to distribute these logbooks, noting that many riders who have completed their loan obligations have yet to collect their ownership documents. Without logbooks, riders are unable to leverage their motorcycles as collateral or for other economic opportunities.

Collaboration with Police to Dismantle Theft Syndicates

The GPS tracking rollout is backed by ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies. According to Watu, this partnership has already helped disrupt cross-border theft syndicates, especially in Kenya’s coastal region and counties such as Kilifi, Taita Taveta, and Mombasa.

The trackers not only serve as theft deterrents but also enable real-time response in the event of motorbike theft, improving the odds of asset recovery and reducing downtime for riders who depend on their motorcycles for daily income.

Watu’s Broader Impact in Kenya and Africa

Since 2015, Watu has financed over 500,000 two- and three-wheeler vehicles in Kenya alone. In the mobile connectivity sector, the company has provided financing for over 1.2 million smartphones across the country since 2022, accelerating access to digital tools among low-income and underbanked populations.

Across Africa, Watu has supported the acquisition of more than 1.9 million devices and plans to finance at least 10,000 electric motorcycles by 2030 as part of its sustainability roadmap.

The ongoing initiatives — from GPS tracking and logbook distribution to future-ready electric vehicle financing — align with Watu’s mission to empower African entrepreneurs through digital and physical mobility.