Bodaboda operators in Kiambu sub-county have been urged to implement road safety guidelines and requirements in an effort to mitigate the increased number of road safety hazards being experienced in the area.
Speaking in his office on Monday, Kiambu traffic commandant chief inspector Gabriel Mulei expressed his concerns over the operators' reluctance to adhere to the directives hence contributing to the increased number of accidents involving bodabodas.
According to Mulei, these directives were as a result of the spirited efforts aimed at reducing accidents and should be adhered to without fail.
“These directives must be observed and we will work around the clock to ensure the bodaboda operators across the sub-county implement and observe them fully,” said the inspector.
The traffic commandant said that the safety guidelines were for their own good and they will play a role in significantly reducing accidents and other challenges related to motorcycles on the roads.
He further noted that by requiring a bodadoda operator to acquire a third party insurance, an extra helmet for the passengers, avoiding overloading and careless parking, is a show that the government is working towards the well-being of the operators and the public as well.
Mulei issued a stern warning to operators who will fail to fully implement these rules and regulations, stating that they will not only be prosecuted but also have their licences cancelled.
He also urged the operators in the area to try as much as possible to avoid being traffic hazards.
Mulei warned the operators against riding into the paths of pedestrians, carrying excess passengers, failing to display lights at night or in hazardous conditions among other common mistakes.
He urged them to cooperate with the traffic department to ensure their safety and that of their passengers is guaranteed at all times.