Boda Boda riders drawn from Nandi East Sub County have been urged to observe road safety rules in order to minimize accidents.
The National Chair of the Kenya Boda Boda Association (KBA), Charles Gichira, has said this will also ensure safety for themselves, their customers, as well as all other road users.
Speaking at Nandi Hills town after a half marathon competition themed ‘Run for Safety and Health’,organized by the Sub County boda boda riders, Gichira divulged that a lack of road safety measures among the riders results in accidents and health challenges.
The chair advised the riders to ensure they have driving certificates, which is one of the requirements, wear reflectors all the time, as well as ensuring they put on their helmets to protect themselves from head injuries in case of an accident.
He underscored the importance of having the boda boda association medical insurance cover to guard operators during their daily activities, advising them to ensure they also enroll with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure they are fully covered whenever a health challenge transpires.
“Health goes hand in hand with road safety. Put on the boda boda attire, like a helmet and reflectors for your own safety. Help the security agents in ensuring security and safety. Those who have not yet registered with SHA, ensure you register,” pointed out Gichira, while commending the Nandi hills motorbike operators and security officers for coming up with identification numbers that recognize local riders, thus enhancing safety, security and order.
Gichira further called on all motorcycle riders to always maintain hygiene of the highest order to avoid irritating customers and also join SACCOs as one of the ways of developing a saving culture.
Nandi County KBA chair David Too noted that in a bid to ensure security in the boda boda sector, they have come up with a system of registering all operators with different colors and numbers, identifying a given region.
“For instance, in Nandi Hills the colour of identification plate of registered motorbikes is grey. Customers should be keen to board registered bikes to ensure their safety,” said Too.
Nandi East Sub County deputy police commander Alphonse Otieno lauded the initiative, noting that when boda boda riders comply with the road safety requirements, they bring sanity to the road sector, saying those riding motorcycles without number plates were threatening the security of residents.
Otieno utilized the same event to caution riders against taking advantage of school-going girls during this holiday season, saying that those who engage in defilement will not be spared by the law.
Instead, he urged the motorbike riders to champion the education of the girl child while reporting any cases of wayward behaviour to the relevant authorities.
“Those riding motorbikes without number plates, either by choice or by chance, we will not be entertained at all. I also warn those who drink alcohol and drive,” stated Otieno.
The deputy base traffic commander, Victor Oure, on his part, commended the boda boda leaders for coming up with such an initiative, noting that most of the riders lack driving licenses and insurance covers, which are basic requirements, especially when an accident occurs.
“Most of the fatalities in road accidents are as a result of head injuries, the main reason being lack of helmets. Insurance is the best document to help in claims in case of an accident,” revealed Oure, urging the local leaders to support motorbike riders to acquire driving licenses, medical covers, reflectors and helmets.
By Ruth Mainye
