Nyandarua: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with The Rhino Ark Trust, has conducted a training program for motorcycle (boda boda) riders in Nyandarua County, focusing on road safety and environmental conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training aimed to educate riders on the importance of adhering to road safety regulations to address the increasing number of accidents involving motorcycles. NTSA and Rhino Ark Trust officials emphasized that these riders will serve as champions for environmental conservation and road safety within their communities.
During a session at the Aberdare National Park's Shamata Gate, Andrew Kiplagat, NTSA's Director for Road Safety, highlighted the country's road safety challenge, mentioning that at least 870 people have died in accidents this year, with boda boda riders accounting for about 40 percent of these fatalities.
Lucy Muita, the officer in charge of the KWS Mountain Conservation Area, expressed concerns about boda boda riders being recruited into illegal activities, such as bushmeat transportation and logging. She suggested that positive engagement through training could prevent such occurrences.
Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark, and Jean Todt, United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, echoed these sentiments. They noted that the training sessions provided essential road safety knowledge and fostered a sense of responsibility for conservation among the riders.
The training has empowered boda boda riders to become agents of change in their communities, promoting conservation and road safety. Through the efforts of NTSA and Rhino Ark Trust, these riders are now better equipped to reduce their environmental impact, enhance road safety, and protect the Aberdare ecosystem.