Motorcycle operators are at a high risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), medical practitioners have warned.
They say since most of the riders work late into the night and commercial sex workers operate during that time too, there presents an opportunity for the two groups to indulge sexually more often putting them and others at a high risk of contracting HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.
This emerged during the launch of an empowerment programme organized by Mount Kenya University (MKU), Kisumu Campus where motorcycle riders received reflector jackets and education on road safety.
MKU campus director Russel Ouma said the programme estimated to cost Kenya Sh1.2 million on completion will also ensure that the riders are advised appropriately on health matters.
Collins Owino from the Family Health Options Kenya urged bodaboda operators to ensure they prioritise their sexual reproductive health since it will help prevent or reduce the spread of most sexually transmitted diseases.
"The cyclists work at night and in the course of their duty, they interact with many women, who tempt them in many ways that can make them get involved sexually with infected persons," said Owino.
He said the riders should ensure they practice safe sex that can protect both themselves and their spouses who most probably are at home when the riders are at work.
"When you have some STIs you cannot even walk because of the pain and this will definitely affect your work which is the source of livelihood for most of you," Owino told the riders.
The health practitioner said they will organise many sensitization programmes in various areas where the riders are to ensure they are well equipped with information sexual reproduction health.