Over 100 motorcycle riders popularly known as “Bodaboda” in Bungoma County have received specialized training in emergency, rescue and treatment of road accident victims.
The training which was done at the Kenya Medical Training Centre (KMTC) Bungoma Campus was aimed at equipping them with life-saving skills to enable them to respond effectively to road accidents and other emergencies in their line of duty.
The initiative, collaboration between KMTC Bungoma Campus and Kanduyi Constituency National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), aims to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities caused by delayed medical assistance.
The training whose facilitators were drawn from various health facilities in the area and Kenya Red Cross focused on areas such as accident scene management, basic First Aid, chest compressions, helmet removal, handling broken limbs, and safe evacuation techniques.
The riders were also educated on how to prevent infection in cases of injuries and how to assess a victim’s condition before applying First Aid.
Speaking at the event KMTC Bungoma Chief Principal, Victoria Koi, emphasized the importance of equipping the motorcycle operators with these skills, noting that they were the first to arrive at accident scenes in most cases.
“With the knowledge gained from this training, these riders can now assist not only their colleagues but also other road users in distress, potentially saving countless lives,” she said.
She said the riders play a crucial role in Kenya’s transport sector, providing affordable and efficient mobility, especially in rural areas pointing out that their job comes with high risks, with many involved in road accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Christine Sifuna, the Bungoma County “Bodaboda” association welfare treasurer expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This training has given us confidence. We now understand how to respond to emergencies instead of feeling helpless. I hope more riders will get this chance so that we can all be better prepared,” she said.
By Zilpah Khanda and Catherine Nyongesa
