Turkana boda boda operators say no to helmets, cite harsh weather

Boda boda operators in Turkana on Saturday said they will not comply with the traffic rule requiring them to wear a helmet due to the hot weather in the region.

The county boda boda association chairman

Samuel Nanok said Turkana is an arid region where temperatures are very high.

"We will comply with the Michuki rules but using a helmet will not be possible. We struggle a lot with this harsh condition, putting on a helmet is our major challenge because the sun is very hot," he said.

He said they have complied with all other traffic rules including providing their pillion passengers with reflectors.

Frank Ekaru, an operator based in Lodwar said weather in Turkana cannot allow them to put on helmets.

"You can imagine temperature in Turkana rise to 38 degrees Celsius, how can we put on helmet even if its for our safety,? Ekaru asked.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i last week gave boda-boda riders until January 31, 2019, to comply with traffic regulations or face consequences.

“From February 1, they will be operating under a new regime. Let them prepare now and send their representatives to consent on the conditions,” he said.