Boda Boda operators in Mau-Narok have appealed to the government to give them more time so that they can comply with the new road safety measures.
Addressing media in the area over the weekend, the operators led by their chairman Bernard Ndirangu they say the time they were given to comply is too little hence the government should reconsider adding them more time.
According to the operators getting insurance for the bodabodas is hectic hence the Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i should listen to their grievances.
“We were given very little time and we are calling on the government to consider adding time so that all of us can comply,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by area MCA Jackson Githua who says the boda-boda sector is vital to the many unemployed youths hence the government should support.
According to the MCA, if the laws become operational at the moment then many youths of Mau Narok will be forced to quit as they have not had enough time to comply.
He says this, in turn, will have a negative impact on the society as the youths may opt to engage in criminal activities.
While admitting that he is ready to work with other leaders at the county in ensuring that the welfare of boda-boda operators is taken into consideration, the MCA called on the Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i to consider adding more time to enable those who have not complied to do so.
“The boda-boda sector is very vital and that is why we are calling on the CS to consider adding more time for the operators to comply,” he said.
It will be recalled in March Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i ruled out extending the deadline for boda-bodas to adhere to safety regulations.
The deadline for compliance with the requirements is May 1. Speaking in Meru during a visit, Dr Matiang'i ordered police to immediately clamp down on rogue operators once the deadline expires.
The Cabinet secretary was reacting to an appeal by Meru leaders, specifically MCAs, to delay the impending crackdown on boda-bodas.
A task force was established to spearhead reforms in the boda-boda sector and to oversee implementation of the recommendations they have arrived at on policy, legal and administrative reforms, regarding public motorcycle transport.
The 12-member task force was to among other duties examine the existing policy, institutional, legislative and administrative systems governing public service motorcycle sector.
Several quotas have decried the involvement of boda-boda riders in facilitating crime across the country.
Under the tough new rules, every operator should have a safety kit, which includes a helmet, reflector and heavy jacket. The government plans to make it mandatory for all motorcycle dealers to sell the kit together with the cycles.
Further, the operators especially those in public service will be required to register in Saccos.
They will also be required to pay for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). There are estimated 700,000 operators and projections are that the number will hit one million soon.