Tsunza boda boda operators rush for licenses as business booms in Dongo Kundu

Boda boda operators in Tsunza have requested their leaders to help them acquire valid business documents.

This will help them avoid unnecessary run-ins with the police who insist on proper safety gear and valid documents.

The opening of the Dongo Kundu bypass has made the situation more urgent.

Swaleh Kulala, the Lower Gandini Boda Boda Association chairman, said they witnessed a business boom a week after the bypass opened.

“This is a good sign for us but then we know there will be a need for more police officers. We need to regularise our profession,” Kulala said.

“Most of us do not have the documents and we do not want trouble with the police anymore,” he added.

He spoke at the Tsunza police station where the Benjamin Tayari Foundation donated safety gear, including helmets and reflector jackets.

Kulala said most operators cannot afford the necessary documents and equipment.

“The little we get from the boda boda business is for feeding our families. Logically, you prioritise food for your family,” he said.

He asked the Foundation patron Benjamin Tayari to help them acquire the necessary documents.

Tayari, who is also the Kenya Ports Authority chairman, said there is a need to enhance the safety of the operators after the opening of the Dongo Kundu bypass which will open up investment opportunities.

“Once the area opens up, there will be a lot of activities, which will bring a lot of people here, leading to increased business which requires increased safety measures,” Tayari said.

He handed over safety equipment to 80 of the 135 boda boda operators in the area, including helmets and reflector jackets. More safety equipment will be delivered in the coming weeks.

He challenged the traders to develop other business ideas and pool resources to actualise their plans.

KPA will construct the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone along the bypass.

Tayari called on the operators to acquire technical skills from TVETs that will make them employable.

Kwale nominated MCAs Fartun Mohamed and Ndegwa Munga said it is important to empower young people. Mohamed said she would help the boda boda operators acquire technical skills besides paying for their licenses.

“If we empower the young people, we protect the future generation. Young people are the most vulnerable if they are not empowered economically,” Mohamed said.

The MCA said acquiring technical skills will help the traders diversify revenue streams.

“Today, most young people depend on their skills to earn a living. We can no longer rely on white-collar jobs. We have to use our skills to create employment for ourselves and others,” she said.