The Jimal Roho Safi E-Bike Scandal: How a KSh 24 Million “Green Transport” Dream Turned Into a Nightmare

⚡ The Rise of the E-Bike Revolution In the past few years, Kenya has witnessed a growing interest in electric mobility. From startups introducing electric buses to private firms selling affordable e-bikes, the dream of a greener, cleaner transport system has felt closer than ever. One of the loudest voices in this movement was Jimal Roho Safi, a flamboyant businessman and social media personality known for his ventures in transport, finance, and lifestyle. Through his company Huduma Credit, Jimal launched an ambitious project — the Huduma Credit E-Bike Program, a “lipa mdogo mdogo” payment plan that promised affordable electric motorcycles to boda boda riders across the country. The idea looked promising. But for thousands of hopeful riders, that dream has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare. 💸 The Allegations: Where Millions Went Missing As of October 2025, more than 2,500 boda boda operators have come forward claiming to have lost money in what they now call the Huduma Credit E-Bike Scam. Each rider was allegedly required to pay a deposit of KSh 9,500, followed by structured installments, with the promise of receiving their e-bike shortly after. According to multiple reports, the total amount involved stands at over KSh 24 million. However, months later, the majority of these riders say they have received neither bikes nor refunds. Repeated visits to the Huduma Credit offices in Nairobi have ended with vague explanations and postponed delivery dates. > “They told us to wait for clearance from customs, then from NTSA, then from a manufacturer in Syokimau. It’s been over six months,” one rider told K24 Digital. 🧾 What Huduma Credit and Jimal Are Saying Facing public backlash, Jimal Roho Safi took to the media to deny allegations of fraud, insisting that the delays were due to logistical and supply chain challenges. According to his statements: - Shipments from manufacturers are delayed. - Customs clearance has taken longer than expected. - Registration processes have slowed down deliveries. He admitted to a backlog of over 2,300 payments, acknowledging that hundreds of clients are still waiting for their e-bikes. > “We are working day and night to clear the backlog. No one has been defrauded. All clients will get their bikes,” Jimal told K24 Digital. Despite this assurance, frustration among clients continues to rise — with many saying they’ve heard the same promises for months without visible results. ⚠️ Signs of a Systemic Problem The scandal has sparked conversations about Kenya’s “lipa pole pole” culture and the vulnerability of low-income earners who rely on such schemes. Here’s what the Huduma Credit controversy has exposed: 1. Weak Consumer Protection: Customers have few options for redress when businesses fail to deliver. 2. Lack of Transparency:Many “installment” companies operate with little oversight or regulation. 3. Overpromising on Green Tech: The e-mobility sector is booming, but not all players are trustworthy. 4. Exploitation of Boda Boda Operators: Riders are often targeted with easy-payment offers but left helpless when deals collapse. 🔍 The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters This isn’t just about one company or one businessman. The Jimal Roho Safi e-bike scandal highlights a trust crisis in Kenya’s fast-growing green transport and microfinance industries. When thousands of Kenyans lose faith in “pay-later” programs, the entire e-mobility dream suffers. Investors become cautious, legitimate startups struggle, and ordinary riders the backbone of urban transport pay the highest price. 🧩 The Unanswered Questions Despite all the public statements, several issues remain unresolved: - When exactly will Huduma Credit fulfill its delivery promises? - Where are the funds collected from clients being held or used? - Is there an independent audit of the company’s operations? - What steps is the government taking to protect affected consumers? Until these questions are answered, the shadow of the Huduma Credit e-bike saga will continue to hover over Kenya’s electric transport revolution. 🗣 Final Thoughts The Huduma Credit e-bike project started as a symbol of innovation a chance to empower boda boda riders and push Kenya toward clean mobility. But the alleged mismanagement and unfulfilled promises have turned it into one of the country’s biggest microfinance controversies of 2025. If anything, this scandal should be a wake-up call not just to consumers, but to regulators, innovators, and policymakers that trust, transparency, and accountability are the true engines of progress.