Malombe urges more women to join Boda Boda sector to boost incomes

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The governor made the appeal during the graduation ceremony of boda boda riders who had completed a county-sponsored road safety and rider training programme at the KEFRI Institute in Kitui Town.

The programme, implemented by the Kitui County Government through the Ministry of Transport and Boda Boda, trained and facilitated the licensing of 783 riders. A total of 1,200 riders had registered for the training, but 417 dropped out, adding to the number of unlicensed operators in the county.

Governor Malombe noted that despite the growing number of boda boda operators, most riders are yet to obtain driving licences, exposing them to arrests and limiting their job opportunities."Out of the 13,889 registered boda boda riders in Kitui County, only 2,968 are licensed, while 10,921, representing 79 per cent, are operating without licences. This puts their businesses at risk because they can be arrested for failing to comply with road safety regulations. I urge licensed riders to encourage their colleagues to acquire driving licences," he said.

The governor also urged riders to insure both themselves and their motorcycles, describing insurance as an essential road safety measure that offers financial protection in the event of accidents. "Accidents can happen at any time. Having insurance helps reduce the financial burden after an accident and enables riders to resume their livelihoods more easily," he said.

Governor Malombe expressed concern over the low number of women in the sector, revealing that only 311 of the county's 13,909 registered boda boda riders are women, representing just two per cent of the workforce."This sector has very few women, yet it provides a good opportunity to earn a living. I encourage more women to join the boda boda business, and I urge men already in the sector to support and mentor women who are willing to venture into this trade," he said.

To strengthen the industry, the governor said the county government had reached an agreement with boda boda leaders to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Sacco), which would help riders access financial services and government support more efficiently. He said the Sacco would encourage a culture of saving, enable members to access affordable loans and provide opportunities for riders to purchase motorcycles and expand their businesses."There is pride in building your future through collective effort. By saving together, members will be able to access loans, invest in motorcycles and improve their livelihoods," he said.

Governor Malombe further urged riders to uphold professionalism and safeguard the reputation of the sector by working closely with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements."Respect your work and do not allow criminals to misuse this sector. Report offenders to the relevant authorities and help maintain peace and dignity within the boda boda industry. I also urge your leadership to thoroughly vet members so that criminals do not infiltrate the sector," he said.