Kick drunk operators out, boda boda riders told

Boda boda operators should kick out those engaging in the business while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, says Eastern commissioner.

Commissioner Evans Achoki said the rogue operators have been involved in serious accidents which leave several of their customers dead.

Achoki spoke during the boda boda registration exercise at Embu Huduma Centre on Monday.

He said the operators must take full responsibility to ensure they don't endanger their lives and those of customers.

The commissioner said boda boda accidents are on the rise and the operators should be on high alert.

Achoki said boda boda accidents have claimed many lives in the county in previous months compared to other causes.

"We're losing many lives through boda boda accidents. Since my arrival here there are several boda boda accidents reported every week," he said.

However, Achoki called upon the operators to observe road discipline by maintaining controlled speeds and adhering to road rules.

He said these are some of the factors that lead to severe accidents.

"We don't want to lose you as a boda boda operator simply because you failed to observe road discipline. Failure to adhere to safety measures will continue hurting innocent customers. Let's avoid dangerous overtaking and other endangering steps that result in loss of lives," Achoki said.

The commissioner also said boda boda operators should self-regulate to curb the indiscipline cases that have been linked to them.

He said the operators should work closely with the government to nab those who present themselves as boda boda operators to conduct crime.

Regional police commander David Rono said the police will work closely with the boda boda sector to attain the targeted reforms.

He said police officers should be lenient with the operators and avoid harassing them on their daily operations.

The police boss said operators should be given a chance to rise to the ongoing reforms.

"These people make Sh50 or Sh300 per day why do you have to press them. Whenever there's a problem inform my office and we'll settle the matter," he said.

Rono however said the operators should observe road discipline, failure to which, the police will practice their mandate of enforcement.

National coordinator of boda boda operators Martin Muchoki said the state should intervene and help operators who acquired their motorcycles through loans.

He said the institutions should stop collecting their bikes because someone was unable to pay for a day. 

"We had a boda boda crackdown allover the country and this led to most operators stopping business," Muchoki said.

He said the state should also regulate interest collection so that operators can settle the loans with minimum pressure.

Muchoki said the loan collectors should cease collecting money during public holidays and Sundays when most operators are off duty.

The coordinator also said the government should ensure that operators suffering in hospitals due to accidents are taken care of by insurance.

He said the government should also consider taking the registration process to the saccos to prevent blackmailers who will take advantage of Huduma centres.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)