Teso North National Government Constituency Development Fund will upgrade the boda-boda industry by enrolling scores of operators for driving classes.
Under the sponsorship the operators will be trained in batches of 30 with each stage across the sub county proposing two riders at a time.
The move comes as a relief to the operators who are grappling with the government’s renewed enforcement of the “Michuki Rules”.
Area legislator Oku Kaunya who flagged off the training at Angurai market on Friday said the boda-boda industry is becoming a major employer of many youths hence the need to ensure its operations are streamlined.
training for the first batch of 30 boda boda operators at Angurai
market.
“The number of accidents involving motor cycle riders is on the rise across the country. The riders need to be aware of the risks they
expose themselves and their pillion passengers to, while on the road.
“That is why through the NG-CDF we have decided to take them through proper training that will ensure they adhere to the laid down traffic regulations,”he explained.
He urged the operators to form Saccos so that they can invest and grow themselves financially.
Teso North police boss Wilson Muraya and the traffic base commander Danson Mwakundia hailed the Member of Parliament for the initiative saying it will play a great role in cleaning up the industry that is threatening to be a security threat.
Muraya said: “Let us observe the laid down rules to avoid clashing with the law. The regulations that have been put in place are for your own benefit and not for the law enforcers.”
On the increased night killings of boda boda operators in the region, Muraya appealed to the riders to exercise caution while ferrying passengers to avoid falling prey to criminals.
“You are key stakeholders in the transport industry. It is good you exercise caution because some of the people pretending to be customers are up to no good.
“Do not ferry passengers after nine o’clock. If it is a must, then ensure you do not go alone-let another operator accompany you. I if you are going alone then don’t carry two pillion passengers as it will be very hard to fight back once they attack you,”he warned.
Malaba boda boda riders chair John Odoto hailed the initiative urging fellow operators to ensure they comply with traffic regulations to safeguard the image of the industry.
In the one month training the operators will be educated on traffic rules, basic mechanic practices, health, effective communication and road models-a concept that will entail educating them on how to use urban roads.
Once the period elapses those trained will all be subjected to an oral test to be conducted by the Police traffic department with those sailing through being issued with driving licenses.
Those who fail will be required to undergo another short training before they are licensed to operate and carry passengers on the roads.
Once issued with licenses the riders will then be required to don a special road safety gear that is recognised internationally in the traffic and safety industry.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
