State Department for Livestock Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai has urged boda boda riders in Trans Nzoia County to ensure they are not left out of the registration exercise currently taking place countrywide.
PS Kimtai reiterated the national government commitment towards regularising of the boda boda sector by ensuring all riders who meet the set standards are issued with Smart Driving Licenses (SDLs).
With the registration exercise set to run for 60 days, the PS appealed to boda boda riders in Trans Nzoia to capitalise on the government waiver of Sh5, 800.
“After end of the 60 days, boda boda riders that will not have registered would be forced to pay the mandatory Sh5, 800 fees before being listed,” noted Kimtai, emphasising no unregistered rider would be allowed on the roads thereafter.
The PS encouraged the riders to seize the opportunity and be among the first registered 200,000 motorcyclists who will receive a 12 months National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) free cover package.
“One of the objectives of this important nationwide campaign is promotion of road safety not only for the boda boda riders but also other road users,” said Kimtai.
He asked managers of Huduma Centres to put in place proper mechanisms to ensure all boda boda operators easily accessed the registration services.
“We appeal to Huduma Centre managers to consider decentralising the exercise, via mobile services, to enable riders in far-flung areas to benefit from the 60 days window of opportunity,” urged Kimtai.
He assured the riders of continued government support, mainly aimed at streamlining the sector, which he hailed for boosting sources of livelihoods and living standards for Kenyan families, especially in rural areas.
To register, a rider must present himself/herself in person and have original national identity card (ID), a copy of KRA PIN and an active registered cell phone number.
The PS was speaking at Kitale’s Huduma Centre where he observed the registration exercise. He was accompanied by Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Samson Ojwang.
By Elvis Nalua
