There is a large community who uses the Rise and its sister phones, the Event and the Hydro. Many of the users of these phones wish to be able to have the ability to have a recovery that is able to make backups of the phone's data in case something happens to it.

As it stands right now, that is impossible. All three models have a locked bootloader which makes it impossible to install a custom recovery to make crucial backups of the phone. Most other device manufacturers offer the ability to unlock the device bootloader so that their users are able to install the custom recovery. For example: HTC. Some manufacturers do not even lock their bootloaders. For example: ZTE.

Without being able to install the custom recovery, the users of these phones are getting irritated and upset. Kyocera makes great devices, and it is a waste to leave them because the bootloaders are locked down, but it remains the only choice.

They could just remove just the security check that is in the bootloader that prevents the custom recovery from properly installing. The bootloader could stay locked down, while still enabling users to install a custom recovery and make crucial backups of their phone. This will protect both the manufacturer and the carrier, as it prevents the device from being able to change carriers.

We in the Kyocera community need the ability to install custom recovery, and it is only possible from Kyocera. The bootloader does not have to be in an unlocked state, the security check is all that needs to be removed to install the recovery. This prevents devices from changing carriers, as that requires an unlocked bootloader. Since the bootloader would still be locked, it is not an issue. 

Thread dedicated to unlocking the Rise. (Permalink to the comment the preceding excerpt was taken from)

Many have tried contacting Kyocera, but have had no luck. However, if you just take a minute to sign this petition, they will realize the importance of unlocking the bootloader, and enable devs to get to work.