Kisii County to train boda boda operators

boda boda operator. Photo: Standard

BY ERIC ABUGA       

Kisii, Kenya: Kisii County Government will embark on a boda boda training exercise in a bid to reduce the increasing number of motorbike accidents in Kisii town.

 Kisii Governor James Ongwae said that statistics from the Kenya police indicate that boda boda transport accounts for most road accidents in the county.  

 “The statistics also indicate that an average of 70 per cent of motorcycle operators do not have any road safety training,” Mr Ongwae said.

 He added that the County Government will provide continuous training on road safety so as to save people’s lives. Noting that there was an increased number of youths joining the boda boda business.

The governor promised to help start an association that will cater for the operators’ welfare.

 Kisii area traffic commandant James Ekwenye said a number of operators who ride under the influence of alcohol also contribute to several accidents in the county.

 “Almost 60 per cent of the accidents are caused by careless driving. We can reduce this figure if the operators adhere to traffic rules and regulations,” said Ekwenye.

 There are over 5000 boda boda operators in Kisii town and all will benefit from the training.