The county government of Uasin Gishu has been urged to conduct road safety training for all boda boda operators in the county to help reduce increasing motor bike related accidents.
In a bid to prevail upon the county government to undertake the trainings, the Uasin Gishu county assembly has passed a motion requiring the executive arm of the government through its department of roads to train the motorcycle riders in collaboration with the National transport and safety authority (NTSA) on adherence to safety regulations and traffic rules.
The Nominated MCA, Dr. Catherine Barmao who moved the motion said there was need to train the boda boda operators considering that the sector has created enormous job opportunities for the youth, majority of whom are ignorant of road safety and traffic regulations.
“The riders rarely use their helmets or jacket reflectors, while on the road they overtake other motorists recklessly thus endangering their lives and those of their passengers,” she said.
The Cheptiret/Kipchamo ward MCA, Gildert Tenai said it was unfortunate that the youth who are engaged in the boda boda business were losing their lives for lack of training.
“The county government has an obligation to train the riders considering that they pay a lot of revenue to the county government. Our youth should not continue to die on our roads due to ignorance on safety and traffic rules and regulations,” he stated.
The leader of majority at the county assembly, Josphat Lowoi said the boda boda business was killing and maiming many youths thus the urgency to intervene through training.
The rising number of road accidents attributed to boda boda operators can be avoided if the riders understood the regulations, safety and guidelines as per the traffic and NTSA Act, said Lowoi.
By Kiptanui Cherono
