The government on Thursday announced a program to train and equip boda boda riders with skills to enhance compliance to traffic laws and the highway code.
The training is also expected to offer the motorcycle operators with basic First Aid and preventive hygiene skills.
The one-week training will be undertaken by the National Youth Service (NYS) at a slashed cost of Sh750 per rider and is expected to be rolled out across all constituencies in the 47 counties.
President Uhuru Kenyatta last week launched a collective investment scheme for the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya that will allow members to save and invest and will be regulated by the Capital Markets Authority.
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Speaking at Kenya School of Government Thursday, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said the initiative will be completed in a few months and will ensure all boda boda riders are licensed.
"By and large, one of the big asks by boda boda riders is in regard to training and licensing. This process is not an event but a programme which we hope to complete in the next few months to ensure that all riders are trained and ensure they obtain requisite skills and licenses," said Mucheru.
The CS added: "Within the year, we hope that we will have appropriate training and safety for the future that will transform the entire industry."
NYS Council Chairman, Lt. Gen (rtd) Njuki Mwaniki, said:
“This programme is geared towards achieving discipline and obedience to traffic laws and Highway Code; Imparting knowledge to enable the riders understand the characteristics of motorcycles and their maintenance; and First Aid, preventive hygiene, how to deal with accidents and road courtesy. Importantly, it will enable them to obtain licenses."
They were speaking on the sidelines of a one-day training workshop by Rubis Energy and Nabo Capital which are involved in formulation and execution of the Boda Boda Investment Scheme.
Thursday's evet seems to be a continuation of thecharm offensive by Uhuru and government's targeting boda boda riders who have provided fertile grounds for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential ambitions.