Over 3,000 bodaboda operators on Thursday held prayers against road accidents in Mavoko, Machakos County.
The 3, 150 boda boda operators held the prayer meeting at the First Baptist Church in Athi River.
The event organised by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau's office was presided over by the church's clergy Rev Dr Wellington Mutiso. It lasted for four hours.
In a statement read by constituency manager Boanerges Mutuku, Makau said it was important to recognise and honour the hard work and contributions of the resilient boda boda sector to the country's economy.
Makau, however, noted that he was concerned with the increased rate of road accidents involving boda boda operators especially along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
This, he said, was the main reason his office organised the prayers to seek God's intervention.
"You are our unsung heroes in the informal sector," Makau said.
He said the boda boda business had tremendously grown with millions of young people investing in it with expectations to get high returns on investments.
"That's why I have decided to ensure that the welfare and prosperity of all boda boda operators within Mavoko constituency is well taken care of," he said.
He said this will be done through trainings in various programmes and issuance of licenses to riders in partnership with other organisations that offer trainings on road safety and employment skills.
Makau said they will also help in formation and patronage of Saccos alongside enhancing community and police relationships through engagement and dialogue on matters peace and security.
"In the spirit of empowering boda boda riders, I have proposed a bill in Parliament that will create a National Boda Boda Fund and Local Boda Boda Assembly Units for motorbikes to make them more available and affordable in order to harness and support the potential of the 2.4 million riders," Makau said.
The legislator said although the sector largely contributes to the growth of the country's economy and is responsible for a large percentage of employment, the labour is often not rewarded as much as it should be.
"You are the backbone of our society, working tirelessly day in day out to provide for yourselves, your families and communities despite the countless challenges and obstacles from long hours to difficult working conditions,yet you remain steadfast and dedicated," Makau said.
He said it was through the boda boda operators' perseverance and hard work that Kenya's economy continues to thrive.
"It's our duty as leaders to ensure that you are given the respect and support you deserve. Let's take this prayer day as an opportunity to thank you our unsung heroes and recommit ourselves to working towards a future where every boda boda rider is valued and rewarded fairly," Makau said.
