Nairobi: Boda Boda riders drawn from Nandi East Sub County have been urged to observe road safety rules in order to minimize accidents. The National Chair of the Kenya Boda Boda Association (KBA), Charles Gichira, has said this will also ensure safety for themselves, their customers, as well as all other road users.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gichira spoke at Nandi Hills town after a half marathon competition themed 'Run for Safety and Health', organized by the Sub County boda boda riders. He highlighted that a lack of road safety measures among the riders results in accidents and health challenges. The chair advised the riders to ensure they have driving certificates, wear reflectors at all times, and put on helmets to protect themselves from head injuries in case of an accident.
Gichira emphasized the importance of having the boda boda association medical insurance cover to protect operators during their daily activities. He advised them to enroll with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure full coverage in the event of a health challenge. He also commended the Nandi Hills motorbike operators and security officers for implementing identification numbers to recognize local riders, enhancing safety, security, and order.
Nandi County KBA Chair David Too noted that to ensure security in the boda boda sector, they have developed a system of registering all operators with different colors and numbers to identify each region. In Nandi Hills, the identification plate for registered motorbikes is grey, and customers are urged to be cautious and only board registered bikes to ensure their safety.
Nandi East Sub County Deputy Police Commander Alphonse Otieno praised the initiative, noting that compliance with road safety requirements brings sanity to the road sector. He cautioned riders against exploiting school-going girls during the holiday season and urged them to support the education of the girl child by reporting any cases of misconduct to the authorities.
Deputy Base Traffic Commander Victor Oure also commended the boda boda leaders for their initiative, pointing out that many riders lack driving licenses and insurance covers, which are basic requirements, especially in the event of an accident. He urged local leaders to support motorbike riders in acquiring driving licenses, medical covers, reflectors, and helmets to reduce fatalities caused by road accidents.