Boda Boda operators in Tana River County have been urged to observe traffic rules, acquire driving licenses and insurance covers for their motorcycles in a bid to improve road safety in the county.
Speaking during a sensitization forum with Bodaboda riders in Hola town, Tana River traffic commander Kadenge Kazungu urged the operators to ensure they have all the necessary permits required to operate in the sector or risk arrest and prosecution.
At the same time, Kazungu warned the operators against carrying more than one passenger or overloading luggage, which could endanger their lives and other road users.
“I have noticed that in Tana River, many bodaboda operators do not know what is required of them to operate. I have had a session with them, and taken them through the law and what is required of them in the sector to operate,” Kazungu said.
“The operators must have their IDs and driving licenses, their motorcycles well insured, and must also have the protective gear which includes the helmet and reflector jackets as required by law,” he added.
Stephen Dhadho, the bodaboda operators’ chairperson in Tana River called for registration of all the members operating in the sector, so that they could register a Sacco which would expand their saving and income opportunities.
However, Dhadho called on his members to avoid transporting anything illegal which could land them in trouble with the law and at the same time to avoid being used as ‘goons’ by politicians to cause anxiety especially as we head to next year’s general elections.
“There are so many things in the boda boda sector we can do. We are a stakeholder in the security sector of this county and country. Sometimes we are accused that the boda bodas are used to traffic narcotics and drugs, but we are here to sensitize our members that we should not ferry illegal items,” Dhadho said.
“As we near the campaign and the electioneering period, I urged that we refrain from being used by anybody to cause violence and disrupt peace. Peace is paramount, let us all be peaceful so that we can operate well,” he added.
By Erick Kyalo
