Nakuru County Transport and Safety Committee, in partnership with the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nakuru and the Kenya Red Cross Society, today conducted a comprehensive emergency response training program for a select group of boda boda operators from across Nakuru County in efforts to improve road safety and reduce accident fatalities
The training, held at the Nakuru MTC focused on equipping the riders with essential first aid principles and techniques.
Riders received hands-on instruction in managing fractures, controlling bleeding, providing basic life support and utilizing readily available tools for immediate intervention in accident scenes.
“Bodaboda operators are often the first respondents at accident scenes, making their ability to provide immediate assistance crucial,” stated Steve Muli, Chair of the Nakuru City Board and member of the Nakuru Transport and Safety Committee.
“This training empowers them to save lives and mitigate the severity of injuries before professional medical help arrives.”
Muli emphasized the commitment of the Nakuru County Government, under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, to prioritizing road safety. “We are dedicated to creating safer roads for all users,” he affirmed. “This training is a vital step in achieving that goal.”
Ngeno Kiplangat, Principal of KMTC Nakuru, highlighted the program’s significant benefits for the bodaboda community and road safety at large. “By providing these skills, we are not only equipping these riders to handle emergencies effectively but also fostering a culture of proactive safety,” he said. “KMTC’s mission is to ensure that no lives are lost unnecessarily, especially on our roads. We are proud to contribute to this vital initiative.”
The training program drew participants from various wards within Nakuru County. Stephen Mwanda, speaking on behalf of the bodaboda riders, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity. “This training has been invaluable,” Mwanda said. “We now feel more confident in our ability to respond to accidents and assist those in need. We are eager to participate in future training sessions to further enhance our skills,” he added.
This initiative represents a significant stride towards improving road safety in Nakuru County, demonstrating a collaborative approach between government, educational institutions, and community organizations.
The Nakuru-Nairobi highway is a major artery of Kenya’s economy since goods from the port of Mombasa are transported to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Unfortunately, it has some of the most notorious black spots like Kijabe, Kinungi, Kaarai, Mbaruk, and the infamous Salgaa.
In the past, the most visible people on the highways were the matatu drivers and conductors; however, their presence has been eclipsed by the boda boda riders who have swarmed all the roads in the country.
The boda boda business attracts both the educated and school dropouts, majority of whom aren’t used to being ordered and following rules, which has led to a higher number of them getting injured.
Some hospitals in the country have opened special wards for the riders due to frequent injuries.
By Veronica Bosibori
