By Caroline Katana
A section of boda boda riders in Kwale County has undergone training on road safety and financial management in a renewed effort to reduce accidents and strengthen their economic resilience.
The training, held at the Ukunda Showground, brought together riders from Kwale and neighbouring counties, alongside safety officials, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders.
The initiative was led by Mogo Kenya in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) and Auto Industries Limited, the authorised assembler and distributor of Bajaj motorcycles and three-wheelers in Kenya.
The training sessions covered key areas including safe riding practices, adherence to traffic regulations, and the importance of insurance in managing medical and accident-related costs.
Riders were also equipped with financial literacy skills such as loan management, savings through SACCOs, and long-term financial planning.
Kwale County remains one of the regions heavily affected by boda boda-related accidents.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has previously identified accident blackspots, including the Waa area along Kwale–Kombani junction and Navy Junction in Mtongwe along the Lunga Lunga–Likoni road.
Speaking during the event, Mogo Kenya Product Marketing Manager Fernandes Kariuki said the initiative is aimed at improving both safety and livelihoods within the sector.
“Boda boda riders play a critical role in Kenya’s economy by connecting communities. However, frequent road accidents result in high medical costs and loss of income. Through this training and collaboration with key partners, we aim to enhance rider safety while empowering them to better manage their finances,” he said.
Kwale BAK Chairman Mahmoud Rajab Mwanyumba welcomed the programme, noting that many riders still face challenges in meeting regulatory requirements.
“These safety trainings are very important because many riders still lack the necessary licenses and documentation. I always encourage them to comply with all legal requirements so they can operate safely and more efficiently,” he said.
BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing challenges facing the sector.
“Many young people depend on boda boda operations for their livelihood, yet accidents continue to disrupt their lives. Through such partnerships, we are promoting road safety awareness while also encouraging riders to plan for their future,” he said.
In addition to the training, Auto Industries Limited donated a motorcycle to the Kwale BAK chairman to support coordination and emergency response among riders.
Participants also benefited from free motorcycle servicing by Bajaj-certified technicians, bike washing services, reflector jackets to enhance visibility on the roads, and food supplies.
According to NTSA, boda boda riders, passengers, and pedestrians account for over 65 percent of the approximately 4,000 road fatalities reported annually in Kenya, although the actual figures could be higher due to underreporting.
Road crashes are estimated to cost the country about 5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to over KES 450 billion each year.
Despite these challenges, the boda boda sector remains a vital pillar of Kenya’s economy, generating an estimated KES 660 billion annually and contributing about 4.4 percent to the national GDP.
The industry directly employs more than 2.5 million people, many of them youth.
The training aligns with Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028), which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50 percent.
It also reinforces provisions under the Traffic Act (Cap 403) and NTSA guidelines, which require riders to obtain valid licenses, wear protective gear, adhere to traffic rules, and ensure their motorcycles are roadworthy.
Additionally, the Boda Boda Transport Regulations (Legal Notice No. 23 of 2015) outline operational standards, including mandatory registration, use of helmets and reflective jackets, and participation in registered associations such as BAK to enhance accountability and safety compliance.
Through such multi-sector partnerships, stakeholders hope to build a safer, more financially stable boda boda industry one that continues to support millions of livelihoods while reducing the heavy toll of road accidents.
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