Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga has assured boda boda operators across the country that their needs will be met under his administration.
Raila spoke to representatives of boda boda operators from across the country yesterday at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium. He stated that his government will establish a Sh1 billion revolving fund to support the sector.
The Azimio presidential candidate stated that his administration will ensure that the country’s more than 2.5 million motorcycle operators have favorable terms for the purchase, maintenance, and operation of motorcycles.
Raila promised to provide refresher courses for police officers and county enforcement officers in order to ensure that they handle the operators with dignity in the aftermath of complaints.
“Azimio la Umoja has come up with several measures that are captured in our manifesto aimed at promoting the management and self-regulation of the boda boda sector.”
He claimed that boda bodas have transformed the transportation sector, making it easier for citizens to travel even in remote areas of the country. Raila stated that the boda boda sector needs to be strengthened even further in order to empower millions of Kenyans who rely on it.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed stated that it is the responsibility of all road users to maintain safety and that boda boda operators are not solely to blame in the event of an accident.
“We are calling on the government to release all motorbikes being held in police stations due to petty traffic offences,” he said.
Former minister Mukhisa Kituyi stated that following negotiations with the Norwegian government, it had agreed to offer guarantees that will lower taxation on the boda boda industry. A meeting with sector stakeholders is being planned to discuss the next steps.
Kevin Mubadi, national chairman of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, stated that their 2.5 million members have endorsed Raila for President.
“We are proud to rally behind Raila Odinga since he has shown he has the best interests of the boda boda operators,” he said.
The association urged Raila to advocate for the reduction of taxes that have resulted in an increase in motorbike prices from Sh110,000 to around Sh180,000 in recent years, making it difficult for most operators to clear loans.
Director General of Nairobi Metropolitan Services Mohammed Badi asked boda boda operators to report rogue county enforcement officers who harass them.
