The traffic department in Molo sub-county tipped about 600 bodaboda riders on road safety awareness in a move aimed at reducing road accidents in the area.

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The event, held at Molo stadium, is the start off campaign to curb road accidents according to area base commander Moses Nderitu.

Nderitu said the riders were trained on road safety, first aid skills and general adherence to traffic rules and regulations.

He said the traffic department had been lenient to riders but after the meeting, a crackdown would be conducted after a 14-day ultimatum was issued to those who were yet to adhere to traffic requirements.

The base commander attributed the increased accidents on unqualified road users, speeding and carelessness.

Addressing the meeting, lawyer Jack Mwaniki urged the riders to be extra cautious in order to tame the alarming rate of accidents in molo.

“It is very unfortunate that many young people are losing lives to accidents involving bodaboda. Such young and promising lives are lost due to avoidable factors," Mwaniki said.

Mwaniki added that motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries to riders and their passengers while insurance companies blame them because they do not know their legal rights.

He called on the Nakuru county government to assist riders acquire free medical insurance.

Molo MCA Karanja Sonis promised bodaboda riders that the county government of Nakuru will upgrade rural roads which are in poor conditions.

James Kapita, who is the chairman, Molo bodaboda Sacco, urged his colleagues to observe high standards of hygiene adding that some customers complain over the same.

He said their clients, especially women were opting to walk instead of being ferried by a ridewr.

"A female teacher complained to me that a rider who was smelly from toe to mouth ruined her day," he said.

Kapita said the smell of drunk riders and dirty attires are among the few habits that turn away customers.

The riders took that rare opportunity to hike their town service chargers from Sh30 to Sh50 urging local residents to support them improve their livelihood.