The Narok county government utilized Sh. 5.2 million in the last financial year to enroll 500 boda boda riders in driving school to decrease accidents in the area.
Speaking when he issued out the driving licenses to the operators, Governor Patrick ole Ntutu said Sh. 3.7 million was given to Moran Driving School, which trained the riders and another Sh. 1.5 million paid to National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to facilitate the processing of driving licenses.
Ntutu added that in the current financial year, another group of 500 boda boda riders will be sponsored to undertake the driving course that is critical for the sector.
“I want at the end of the day, all boda boda riders to have a valid driving license and the necessary training so that we can reduce accidents in our county. I am told that after the first bunch of 500 people were trained, we have reduced accidents related to boda boda in town,” he said.
He asked the operators to follow traffic regulations and ensure their safety and that of their customers, now that they have been fully trained on traffic rules.
“Ensure you have two helmets, one for your customer and another yours, to protect your lives in case of an accident. Ride carefully, observing all the traffic rules so that we can minimize accidents in our area,” he advised.
Governor Ntutu also promised to give Sh. 1.5 million as bursary to benefit the neediest riders who cannot afford to take their children to school.
“I know in your midst you have people taking care of vulnerable and orphaned children. Please when issuing the bursary, let them be the first to benefit from the money. Those who are financially stable do not have to benefit from the bursary,” he said.
He promised to put up more boda boda sheds around major towns so that the riders can have a comfortable shed during rainy and sunny seasons.
Narok county commissioner Kipkoech Lotiatia, who led the security team in the event, lauded the boda boda sector for embracing peace saying the sector has not been linked to criminal activities in the town.
He invited the riders to his office to discuss issues that affect them, adding that the government offices were open to every member of the public.
“You do not need an appointment when you want to see me. Come, let us reason together in case you have any issue that is affecting the sector,” he said.
Narok Boda Boda chairman Gideon Punyua reiterated that the sector has been working with the security team to eliminate criminals in town.
“We are aware that some criminals want to hide in our midst but we have identified them and reported them to the police. We have refused to be used by goons whose aim is to paralyze our sector,” he said.
The event was conducted at William Ole Ntimama stadium and attended by Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare, County Executive Member in charge of roads John Gatua, and Narok Central Deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Mwangome among others.
By Ann Salaton
