Feb, 16th 2021 – The government through the national youth service and the National Transport and Safety Authority has begun a nationwide training exercise for bodaboda operators. Riders in Machakos and Kajiado county where the project was launched lauded the initiative as very timely. Public service and youth cabinet secretary, prof.
Margaret Kobia flagged off the event saying the government will ensure that the youths are not misused politically. Hosted by Governor Alfred Mutua at the Machakos Peoples’ Park, she was accompanied by the National Youth Service director-general Matilda Sakwa and said that the idea of training riders came from President Uhuru Kenyatta, who sent her to Machakos with a goodwill message and greetings to residents.
During the launch, she said, “While launching the investment saving scheme in Pumwani, the President directed us to put a program through NYS for the training of riders to be able to address the many challenges experienced by both boda boda and other road users.”
She called on riders to hold each other accountable to ensure road safety citing that the program is set to restore discipline and order. Prof. Kobia said, “The training we have launched today is important since the accidents happening on our roads is attributed to human error.”
She also noted that annually, over 1500 lives have been lost through boda-boda accidents and the program is a way for the government to step in to ensure riders go through refresher courses. The program is also set to change the lives of the riders. “This program will economically empower the youth in order for them to make independent choices and be able to build their own country,” said Kobia.
In his remarks, Dr. Mutua welcomed the program and promised to fund the training so as all the riders in Machakos County can undergo the training. He said, “For those already with licenses we shall pay the Ksh 750 for each and the ones without licenses will pay a subsidized fee.”
Also present at the event was the National Youth Service Director General, Ms. Matilda Sakwa, Machakos County Commissioner, Mr. Fredrick Ndunga and other National and County Government officials.
The program will also take place in Kiambu and Kajiado thereafter rolled to other Counties in the country.