Gov’t launches national training program for boda boda riders at Ksh.750 each

The government has announced a national training program for boda boda riders countrywide through the National Youth Service (NYS) at a cost of Ksh.750 per rider.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, speaking during the launch on Thursday, said the training will cover safety and how to behave on the roads.

“By and large, one of the big asks by boda boda riders is in regards to training and licensing. This process is not an event. It is a programme that we hope to complete in the next few months to ensure that all riders are trained and ensure that they obtain requisite skills and licenses,” said the CS.

“Within the year, we hope that we will have appropriate training and safety for the future that will transform the entire industry.”

NYS Council Chairperson General Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki, also speaking during the launch, termed the boda boda sector one of the biggest sectors in the country.

“In this regard, we are rolling out a training programme to cover all constituencies in the country,” he said.

Gen. Mwaniki said among the objectives to be achieved by the programme include discipline and obedience to traffic laws and highway code; imparting knowledge to enable riders understand the characteristics of motorcycles and their maintenance; first aid, preventive hygiene, how to deal with accidents and road courtesy; and how to obtain licenses.

“The training will take one week to get a license and the training will cost Ksh.750,” he said.