Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)
Nairobi County Chapter and boda boda operators have teamed up combat accidents
and create a favourable business environment.
The partnership between KNCCI Nairobi Chapter and Boda Boda
Association of Nairobi was made official through the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday.
Chairman of the KNCCI Nairobi County Health Sector Maxwell
Okoth said the collaboration seeks to address pressing challenges faced by boda
boda riders, who play a significant role in Nairobi’s economy.
"We have signed a partnership and MoU with the Boda
Boda Association with the aim of reducing accidents. Kenya Chamber of Commerce
Healthcare Committee offer first aid training, and I call upon Kenyans of
goodwill to join hands with us," Okoth said.
Chairman of the Boda Boda Association of Nairobi Alex Kulema
expressed gratitude for the support the partnership has brought to the boda
boda industry.
"We are very glad to see the Kenya Chamber of Commerce
Healthcare Committee joining hands with us to address the issues we face in the
boda boda industry. We are thankful for the training services being offered
with the goal of saving lives,” he added.
The initiative’s primary focus is to address the alarming
rate of accidents within the boda boda sector, as highlighted by statistics
from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), which estimates 11,500
crashes involving boda bodas across the country each year.
Chairman of KNCCI Nairobi County James Mwaura reiterated the
importance of training and collaboration.
"I emphasise the need for continued training and
bringing more partners on board. The boda boda sector has been neglected for
too long, as shown by the concerning statistics from NTSA, which indicate that
there are around 11,500 crashes on our roads every year,” he said.
The initiative will start with first aid training
sessions designed to equip boda boda riders with essential life-saving skills,
which are expected to make a significant impact on reducing fatalities and
injuries.
The programme will roll out in phases, with safety and first
aid training taking priority, followed by additional healthcare services for
the riders and their families.
KNCCI is a membership-based trade support institution (TSI)
working to protect the commercial and industrial interests of the Kenyan business
community.
KNCCI advocates for the creation of a favourable commercial,
trade and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion.