Bahati boda boda operators have petitioned Nakuru County government to construct sheds for them.
Speaking today at Bahati Trading Center , Nakuru North,through their Chairman Stephen Njuguna , the boda boda operators said that with long rains being expected during April season ,they risk contracting diseases .
“ When the rain sets in, we risk contracting pneumonia and other weather related diseases”, said Njuguna.
Njuguna said that it would be very difficult to carry out their businesses under rainy conditions.
“ Our businesses entail us to spend more time in open areas which expose us to the threats of illness “, said Njuguna .
He said with construction of such facilities the boda boda industry would be empowered and allow youth the chance to generate income to support them .
He urged the county government to hasten the construction because most boda boda operators can not afford money owing to loans .
“ Some of us are being over weighed by loans and they are working up to mid night to service their loans . So asking them money to construct the sheds does not make sense”, said Njuguna.
The county government has constructed several sheds in Nakuru Town and plans are on top gear to replicate the same model to neighborhood estates and sub-counties .
Njuguna said that for the boda boda industry to thrive , the county government and other stakeholders should join hands .
“ We need assistance from NGOs to help the industry to move to the next level”, said Njuguna.
He noted that the industry can employ more youth if more is done to help them and transform their lives .
“ With entry of boda boda industry in the main stream of economy , poverty has reduced and crime among youth has dropped.
Njuguna however urged youth in boda boda industry to form a Sacco that would address their needs.