Alfred Polo, one of SafeBoda's dedicated drivers, whose life story is as inspiring as it is touching. Born on October 14, 1978, in Nyanza Kajulu Kadero, Alfred was the third of six children in his family. Growing up in a household of five boys and one girl, he learned early on about the importance of perseverance.

Early Life and Struggles

Alfred's education journey took him through various schools, including Okok Primary and Rai Kajulu. However, he faced significant challenges after completing Class 8. With no financial support to continue high school, Alfred joined a Driving School, where he gained valuable skills that would shape his future. Later, he moved to Nairobi, hoping to further his studies at in Dagoretti. Unfortunately, he had to drop out in Form 2, as living in the city without family made it impossible to sustain his education.

In search of a livelihood, Alfred ventured into construction work, but his body couldn’t handle the physical demands of the job. His passion for football became his escape, and he soon transitioned into coaching, focusing on girls' teams in Ngong Road. It wasn’t long before AMREF noticed his talent, offering him training in coaching and refereeing. Alfred’s team gained recognition, and he tirelessly sought sponsorships for football gear, knocking on doors in Industrial Area to secure funding.

A Boda Rider at Heart

While football coaching brought fulfillment, it wasn't enough to make ends meet. Alfred’s childhood love for riding motorcycles—sparked when he learned to ride his father’s Suzuki motorbike in Class 7—led him to boda riding. With a borrowed bike from a friend, Alfred began making deliveries, giving his friend a share of the earnings.

This marked the beginning of his professional riding career. After working as a messenger at Makini Security and earning Ksh 7,000 a month, Alfred searched for a better opportunity. In 2003, a friend lent him a Boxer motorbike, and Alfred became one of the first boda riders at the Prestige Stage, Ngong Road. Around this time, he started a family, but tragedy struck—two of his three children passed away at birth. Despite these hardships, Alfred remained resilient, and today, he is happily married with two children from his second marriage.

Joining SafeBoda: A New Chapter

Alfred's life took a positive turn when he joined SafeBoda Kenya in 2020. The company’s high standards—offering drivers unique, high-quality helmets—and the guaranteed weekly payments brought him stability. At the peak of SafeBoda’s presence, Alfred earned an average of Ksh 25,000 a week, enabling him to build his house, brick by brick, with his savings.

"SafeBoda changed many lives," Alfred reflects. "People I know even bought cars and started businesses with what they earned from SafeBoda."

Though SafeBoda temporarily paused operations in Kenya, Alfred kept busy with deliveries and his football projects, marketing products at matches, and earning commissions from these efforts.

A Top Driver’s Approach

What sets Alfred apart as a SafeBoda driver is his customer service. Upon receiving a ride request, he always sends a message through the app: "I'm on my way." He greets customers warmly, offers them helmets, and maintains a safe, comfortable speed. For those who prefer speed, Alfred explains the importance of safety. His commitment to service has built trust with many of his customers, some of whom call him directly to pair for rides.

Alfred also actively promotes the SafeBoda app, helping customers download it and encouraging them to experience the unmatched safety standards—complete with helmets, hairnets and reflectors. "The road is unpredictable," he reminds them. "Always wear the helmet provided."

Looking to the Future

Alfred's aspirations go beyond boda riding. He dreams of expanding his delivery business and opening a shop that his wife can manage. Passionate about supporting the next generation, he continues funding and coaching Dagoretti Child Care Dance and Dago Dadas Football, which empower young girls through dance and sports.

He’s proud to have secured sponsorships and media interviews for his groups, but his ultimate goal is to see SafeBoda grow even further. "I want to see SafeBoda everywhere—like flies," Alfred says with a smile.

Message to SafeBoda

Alfred’s story is a testament to SafeBoda’s impact on the lives of its drivers. As the company continues to grow, he believes more advertising will help it reach even greater heights, providing drivers like him with even more opportunities.

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Interviewed and Written by:

Jane Njoroge

Digital Marketing Lead

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