Seventy boda boda groups in Murang’a County have benefited from a motorcycle each from the local National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Two groups from every of the 35 wards benefited with a motorcycle to help the riders generate income for the group.
Speaking while giving out the motorbikes at Kimorori grounds, Murang’a County Woman Representative Sabina Chege said the motorcycle is a starting point for each group to form a Sacco and generate income to support the members.
Chege underscored the income being generated by boda-boda riders on a daily basis saying forming Saccos will enable the riders to save part of their income and access credit facilities.
She urged the beneficiaries to utilize the motorcycles well to help them grow their income promising to sponsor them to undergo entrepreneurship training.
“There is no need to give our boda-boda riders things which cannot help them. The motorcycles we have given will definitely improve their livelihoods in future. My appeal is for them to use them well,” she added.
Chege who was accompanied by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru further called on young people to take advantage of programmes the government has established to help them do business.
“Young people should be very careful not to be misused by politicians during the campaign period. They should demand for things which will enable them to generate income. The motorcycles we have given out are a big boost to the groups,” noted Chege.
She added that her office has partnered with the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs to train the boda-boda riders on smart driving.
“You will be trained on smart driving to help reduce accidents which have been associated with the sector,” Chege told the beneficiaries.
Mucheru underscored the need to train the young people about smart driving and issue the trainees with licenses saying the move will help to curb road accidents.
He called on young people to explore online jobs saying individuals are making money through digital platforms.
“There is quite wide internet coverage and our young people can utilize it to venture onto online jobs. Ajira digital programme by the government is giving free training to those interested to venture in online jobs,” he added.
Meanwhile Chege called on the youth to ensure they remain peaceful as the country conducts the general election.
In most cases, she said young people are used by those not satisfied with election results to cause chaos.
“Don’t be recruited to breach peace because of politicians. Let’s remain peaceful, life has to continue even after elections,” she advised.
By Bernard Munyao and Zilah Nyangasi
