The Murang’a government has facilitated the training of at least 450 boda boda riders to minimise road accidents.
The riders from all the 35 wards were equipped with safety skills and issued with smart driving licences.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the licenses will enable them to apply for insurance and in case of an accident, the riders will be compensated by the respective insurance firms.
He spoke when issuing the smart licences to the riders on Tuesday at the county headquarters.
The governor said the training done by officers from NTSA is critical in ensuring the riders observe traffic rules to avert road accidents.
“The county government factored training of boda boda riders considering their contribution to the economy. We don’t want to be losing those engaged in the boda boda sector through accidents and the training and issuing of the riders with smart driving licences is one way of curbing road accidents,” Kang'ata said.
“With the smart driving licence, which is supposed to be renewed after three years, you can now embark on applying for insurance. Insuring yourself and the pillion passenger is important since you will be compensated in case of an accident.”
Kang’ata said the county government will continue with training boda boda riders, saying soon they will launch the second cohort.
“This programme is supported by the county assembly and the MCAs are fully involved in the exercise by helping recruit those to be trained. We will have a second cohort soon,” he said.
Boda boda riders have been blamed for increased cases of road accidents, with the training deemed to help reduce road carnage.
Youth and sports executive Gachucha Manoah said reckless driving has led to the loss of many lives.
“Majority of those engaged in the boda boda sector are young people and this training is crucial to ensure they conduct their businesses well and protect their lives and their customers,” he said.
Gachucha promised to champion the training until all riders in the county have smart driving licences and insurance cover.
