Motorbike riders, commonly known as Boda Boda operators in Narok County have asked the County Government to construct sheds for shelter during harsh weather seasons.
James Otuni, a boda boda rider in Narok town said during hot and rainy seasons, they are forced to seek shelter in shops and hotels, where they are at times turned away.
Otuni said the number of motorbikes in the town has been increasing daily but the riders have no specific sheds where they can operate from.
“We do not have any established sheds where we can operate from. We carry and drop our pillion passengers from any point in town. We want the county government to build sheds where the boda boda operators can operate from,” he said.
Another operator David Ochieng said the scorching sun causes fatigue to the riders who sometimes opt to return to their homes or seek alternative business.
“We request the county government to construct sheds just like they constructed a bus terminus for the matatu operators. This will help in controlling the many boda boda operators in town,” he said.
Martin Maina, who has been in the sector for the last five years said building motorbike sheds in every boda boda stage will help in keeping records of every rider.
He said since every stage has a leader, the sheds will act as a meeting point of the riders where they can discuss their welfare issues and any other matter concerning them.
“Since most of these riders are young people, there is a need to have a controlled meeting point where they can hold meetings and exchange ideas on matters of importance to them,” he said.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, in his earlier address acknowledged the need for the boda boda sector to have sheds so as to boost their working environment.
By Ann Salaton and Joyce Karanja
