The Kenya Bodaboda Association (Kebboa) chairman Wilson Kamau has asked the government to train bodaboda and tuktuk operators on road safety.
Speaking after holding a consultative meeting with members at a local hotel in Ruiru on Thursday, Kamau said that most operators lack road safety skills. He said lack of skills has seen rise in fatal accidents and injuries to both the operators and passengers.
“We want the government, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to train operators on safety measures,” he said.
Kamau at the same time called on the government to create a conducive environment for the operators to do their work.
He observed that operators in most parts of the country are complaining of harassment from county askaris and rise in crime targeting them. He said that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their safety is guaranteed.
The official indicated that the industry has employed over 60 per cent of jobless youths hence need for the government to take it seriously and protect their interests.
“The bodaboda sector has employed many youths who now earn income decently,” he said.
Kamau also called on operators to apply for soft loans and expand their businesses in order to better their socio-economic lives.
He said that loans and government support will go a long way in boosting their means of income.
The official further asked operators to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules especially during the festive season.