The third cohort of bodaboda riders who have been sponsored for driving course by Murang’a county government have been issued with smart driving licenses.
Presiding over the issuing event at the county headquarters on Thursday, Governor Dr Irungu Kang’ata observed the programme is part of the county’s commitment to improving road safety and empowering the bodaboda sector.
“We are offering free training and ensuring riders operating in this county acquire smart driving licenses so they can operate safely and legally on the roads,” Kang’ata said.
He continued, “This initiative is meant to protect them while also promoting order and professionalism within the transport sector,”.
The County Executive Committee Member for Sports Noah Gachucha noted that the training has eased the financial burden on riders while safeguarding them from unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement officers.
“This programme saves riders a lot of money and gives them legal documentation that protects them from harassment by law enforcers,” Gachucha stated.
Beneficiaries who spoke during the event lauded the county government for supporting them.
Naomi Muthoni, one of the trainees, urged more women to take up opportunities in the bodaboda sector.
“I thank the county government for supporting us. I want to encourage fellow women to ignore the narrative that women cannot be bodaboda riders. We can do this work too,” she asserted.
Another beneficiary, John Irungu, appreciated the move to issue the riders with licenses that are valid for longer. “We are grateful because these smart licenses don’t expire every year like before, they last for three years. That gives us peace of mind,” Irungu said.
The cohort consists of riders sponsored fully by the county government for comprehensive road safety training.
After completing their course, they successfully sat for National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) driving tests, qualifying for the new licenses.
The Smart Driving Licenses, valid for three years, will enable riders to access insurance services, comply with traffic regulations, and avoid harassment by law enforcement officers.
The programme which was established a year ago also equips riders with essential skills on safe riding, passenger protection, and overall road safety, an effort expected to reduce road accidents across Murang’a County.
Each of the three cohorts consisted 350 riders. The riders were drawn from the 35 wards of Muranga county with 10 riders selected from each ward.
By Bernard Munyao
