- A survey by a taskforce found out almost 70 per cent of the riders have no formal training in the business.
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Interior CS has said the boda boda sector is one of the most critical areas in the country since it has offered millions of Kenyans a source of income.
Image: CALISTUS LUCHETU
The smart card licenses that will be issued to all boda boda riders will have NHIF details of the holders.
This will enable the riders to get medical attention whenever they are involved in accidents, which have become a tall order to handle, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said.
He said the smart cards are digital with the riders’ details and urged all concerned parties to support the new drive.
“They will now be able to access medical services. We will not be asked to contribute to anyone involved in accidents to clear their bills,” he said.
He vowed to ensure the planned reforms in the sector are implemented to the end.
The CS said the boda boda sector is one of the most critical areas in the country since it has offered millions of Kenyans a source of income.
He spoke Friday during a meeting with the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya in Nairobi.
He said not all boda boda operators are criminals, pointing that many of them depend on the sector to meet their daily needs, including food and school fees.
However, the Interior CS defended the ongoing countrywide crackdown, calling on politicians to avoid politicising the issue.
He said on average, there are 22 million rides and if one multiplies it by Sh50 which is the minimum fee they charge it comes to more than Sh1 billion daily that is realised in the sector.
“This is a multi-billion sector and we are determined to make it a better place.”
He said the President ordered the waiver of registration fee of Sh5,800 for all those in the business to ensure all are able to be registered.
He said there are so far 250 Saccos for the riders in the country and the registration is ongoing.
The main rapid drive starts on March 21 for two months and will be done at all Huduma Centres in the country.
Matiang'i said the government will adopt the Rwanda system where all boda boda riders will have jackets and helmets with visible tracking numbers.
He said a recent report handed to him on the business showed up to 60 per cent of the 2.4 million riders in the country are not insured.
More than 70 per cent of them are not trained on how to ride the motorcycles apart from the brief sessions they receive in estates and homes.
“There is no regulation on the sector and it is in a mess hence the need to conduct the mass registration and proper documentation. It is better to forgo the money for now and have a clean sector,” he said.
While applauding the riders, President Kenyatta said prevalent rogue behaviour by the boda boda riders cannot be condoned.
This came days after a group of rogue riders attacked and molested a female driver along Prof Wangari Maathai Road in Nairobi after an accident.
(edited by Amol Awuor)