Boda boda operators in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County have launched a campaign dubbed, Crime Si Poa aimed at sensitising members of the public to shun crime and only engage in legitimate sources of income.
Last month, in partnership with members of the Ongata Rongai community and supported by Crime Si Poa Organization, the operators embarked in a campaign to curb increased cases of crime in the community.
The initiative also aimed at creating awareness on alternative measures to curb increased cases of rape, defilement, theft, gangs and drug abuse, which mostly involved boda boda riders.
The initiative has seen boda boda youth carry placards reading “crime si poa” (crime is not good) across Ongata Rongai town, besides engaging one on one with their colleagues.
According to the Crime Si Poa Programme officer Ruth Njoki, incidences of crime have increased in the area, hence the need for the sensitization exercise.
“We have noted that rape cases, gang groups and theft have increased in Rongai. Most of these gang groups are comprised of young people in boda boda business.
Njoki added that the drive was targeting at least 200 boda boda youth with placards displaying varied information.
“The information is to engage them to open their minds to know that as young people, they can change the face of Ongata Rongai and also encourage those in crime to reform and transform the society,” she added.
Njoki revealed that lack of job opportunities often leaves the youth idle, which in turn leads to an increase in crime.
Crime Si Poa is an organisation that focuses on empowering the youth and providing alternative sources of income for them to keep away from crime in the community.
By Laura Thuo
