The first 200,000 boda boda riders who will register for the Smart digital licence will benefit from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) services free of charge for a period of 12 months.
Speaking during the launch of the nationwide registration exercise in Kajiado Huduma Centre offices, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Planning, Saitoti Torome, said that the state will provide the riders with the free medical cover.
“Boda boda riders are at a greater risk of having serious injuries once involved in an accident. The NHIF card will cushion you against the high cost of hospital bills,” said Torome.
Torome noted that boda bodas have contributed immensely to the country’s economy and thus the need for regulation to weed out the characters who are out to tarnish the whole sector.
“The boda boda sector injects millions into the country’s economy daily and it is only prudent to streamline the sector for your security and that of Kenyans,” Torome added.
For NHIF registration, the riders can visit the NHIF desk at Huduma Centre, Kajiado town, Loitoktok and Rongai NHIF offices. Once registered with NHIF, the rider will benefit from outpatient, inpatient and surgical services from the medical cover.
Kajiado County Commissioner Wilson Wanyanga, reiterated that the registration exercise is being undertaken to regulate the boda boda sector. “The registration exercise has no other agenda rather than to regulate the sector. The government cares about your security and that of your customers,” said Wanyanga.
On her part, National Transport Safety Authority Lower Eastern Region Manager Roseline Oloo, noted that the riders will be given smart driving licence once the registration is complete.
All riders have been urged to visit the nearest Huduma Center from March 28th to 24th June 2022 to register for free as registration fees will apply once the waiver period ends.
Requirements for registration are: Original ID, Copy of Kenya Revenue Authority PIN and a phone with the rider’s number.
By Diana Meneto
