Boda boda riders benefit from road safety initiative in Naivasha

Boda boda riders in Naivasha on Thursday benefited from a road safety initiative aimed at promoting safer riding practices and improving their overall well-being.

The programme, facilitated by Inchcape Kenya, the official distributor of Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Changan, and New Holland brands, brought together key partners including the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Private Bikers Association, Sight Aid International, and Post Bank.

The initiative sought to build awareness and responsibility among riders, a group that plays a vital role in Kenya’s transport system but remains highly vulnerable to road accidents.

According to NTSA, 3,397 people have died in road crashes in the past nine months, including 858 motorcyclists — translating to about three rider fatalities daily.

During the event, NTSA officers trained participants on traffic rules, responsible riding, and compliance with safety regulations. The Private Bikers Association highlighted the importance of proper protective gear such as certified helmets, reflective jackets, gloves, and boots to minimize injuries in case of accidents.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility,” said Joyce Njoroge, Principal Officer for Road Safety at NTSA. “Riders can help restore order on the roads by observing traffic rules, avoiding reckless behaviour, and wearing reflective clothing and helmets, especially at night.”

Sight Aid International offered free eye screening and spectacles to riders, addressing vision challenges caused by dust and wind exposure — a common but overlooked risk factor among motorcyclists.

Post Bank also conducted sessions on financial literacy, encouraging riders to manage income, save, and plan for the future.

Inchcape Kenya Managing Director Marion Gathoga-Mwangi said the company’s goal was to promote a culture of safety and responsibility among road users. “Safety is at the heart of what we do. Every rider deserves to go home safely at the end of the day,” she said.

The Naivasha initiative is part of a broader effort by Inchcape and its partners to promote road safety, health awareness, and financial stability within Kenya’s bodaboda sector.