- NTSA based their tutorials on the importance of using safety equipment, especially helmets and reflectors in their line of duty.
- James Mwathi, an Inspector of Police attached to Roysambu Police Station also called for caution among the road users.
Image: FILE
A campaign targeting boda boda riders in the country was Monday initiated to enhance road safety in the country.
The exercise began in Githurai 44 Chief’s Office where the three institutions took the riders through tutorials focusing on staying safe on the roads as well as the significance of health insurance.
NTSA based their tutorials on the importance of using safety equipment, especially helmets and reflectors in their line of duty, as well as following the Traffic Act and related regulations.
The campaign was a joint effort of the National Transport Authority, National Hospital Insurance and betting firm Pakakumi.
The NHIF took the occasion to register boda boda riders into the health insurance scheme.
Pakakumi was in hand to issue the riders with helmets and reflectors as the three bodies seek to stem the tide of boda boda-related accidents.
NTSA statics from 2022 indicated that boda bodas contributed to the highest number of fatalities, 1,209 an increase from the 1,154 recorded in the previous year.
Further statistics from the National Police Service indicate that 1,270 people died of motorcycle accidents in 2021, 1,136 in 2020, 728 in 2019 and 591 in 2018.
Girhurai 44 Boda Boda Association chairman Gerald ‘Generali’ Kibe said the collaboration is a great move. It shows that if we continue working together, we will have a safe working environment.
“We have been taught a lot today and we are thankful for all the goodies they have brought us,” said Kibe.
“Most of us have not had such kind of training since we started this business. Some have no idea how to go about getting insurance.”
“I was actually happy to have these leaders talk about speeding and riding while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.”
Pakakumi development officer, Kariuki said the event at Githurai marked a continuous journey towards the larger Nairobi county in the short term while their long-term goal is to reach all the registered boda boda riders across the country.
“Our main aim is to sensitise them (riders) on the importance of taking insurance with the NHIF as well as road safety,” said Kariuki.
“We have had boda boda riders who are unable to finance their medication after an accident and that is why it is crucial for them to take insurance with NHIF. This will ensure they get quality health services without burdening their families.”
NTSA’s Jacob Kararu said: “When accidents happen, 90 per cent blame is put on the riders. It is important to have both the rider and the passengers in complete safety gear.
James Mwathi, an Inspector of Police attached to Roysambu Police Station also called for caution among the road users.
“Let us be careful on the roads and avoid unnecessary accidents. We also have to ensure that all motorbikes have insurance. With this, you’ll be safe.
Over the last four years, NTSA has expressed concerns over the increasing number of accidents involving boda bodas.
The Authority ranked motorcycles as the most dangerous mode of transport in 2022.
The industry is run by young people, who contribute 76 per cent of the country’s population.
Data shows over 60 per cent of the riders are below 35 years. In context, Kenya has about 2.4 million boda boda operators who ride 22 million daily trips, involving up to Sh1.2 billion daily, making the sector crucial to the economy of the country.
Sadly, only 30 per cent of the riders have undergone training in a registered driving school while 65 per cent are not insured