As a response to increased motorcycle accidents countrywide, a section of bodaboda operators within Nakuru County have come together to launch an initiative dubbed ‘Pata License, Okoa Maisha’.
The initiative is aimed at not only seeing bodabodas riders acquire genuine driving licenses, but also get education on the importance of road safety.
The operators who ply within Nakuru Town and its environs say they chose to come together after being touched by the rate at which fellow bodaboda operators were being involved in accidents on a daily basis.
The brain behind the initiative, Moses Kinyanjui, who spoke on behalf of the more than 20 operators said that as much as accidents were unavoidable, some were as a result of reckless riding and ignorance.
“Some of our young boys think that speeding makes you a hero. They carelessly overtake, don’t indicate while diverting, pick and drop passengers anywhere. All we are saying is that, with relevant education and a willing heart, we can stop these recurring accidents,” he explained.
The initiative will see members contribute on a daily basis with the monies collected being channelled towards self-empowerment among the members.
“Two members will benefit from a driving school course after every five months starting this August. Those who already have the training will attend road safety and awareness courses overseen by officials and experts from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Some cash will be used to purchase safety items like helmets, reflector jackets and boots to be shared amongst ourselves,” he added.