Bodaboda operators in Kiambu County have been challenged to diversify their business interests in the sector to avoid negative rivalry likely to arise following the increasing number of operators in the industry.

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It is estimated that there are over 2000 motorbikes operating as bodabodas within Kiambu Town.

Addressing bodaboda operators in Kiambu town during a sensitisation campaign on road safety on Monday, Kiambu police boss Stephen Ng’etich called on the operators to engage in other transport activities besides ferrying passengers to avoid sparking negative competition in the industry.

“There exists other avenues in the industry such as carrying milk and livestock feeds among other opportunities. Once there are many motorbikes, it is likely to be hard to achieve the daily targets forcing one to revert to illegal activities,” said Ng’etich.

Ng’etich further advised the operators to consider exploring rural areas saying there are numerous lucrative business ventures that would enable them earn a decent living.

He reiterated the need for the riders to always observe traffic rules to avoid accidents that would arise due to carelessness.

“Let us not over speed while rushing to make money at the expense of human life,” he said.

He underscored the importance of riders putting on protective gears and carrying only one passenger as stipulated in the law.

The police boss further urged the operators to work in groups as a way of safeguarding each other against kidnappings.

At the same time, Kiambu County Traffic Base Commander Chief Inspector Gabriel Mulei called on the riders to pay extra caution while driving during this heavy rainy season.

Mulei said some roads were slippery and muddy calling for careful driving to avoid accidents.

Kiambu County Bodaboda Sacco chairman Patrick Njeru insisted that all bodaboda operators in the area should enroll with the sacco.

Njeru appealed to police to help ensure every bodaboda operator joins a sacco arguing that those evading to join a group were up to no good in the industry hence should be investigated.