Guard The Boda Boda Sector Against Criminal Gangs, Gachagua tells Boda Boda Riders
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the Boda Boda riders to guard the sector against the infiltration of criminal gangs masquerading as boda boda operators. Speaking at the Kenya Methodist University in Nairobi, during the launch of Nyandarua’s county Boda Yangu Ofisi Yangu training programme, the Deputy President said the government is committed to supporting the sector which he says is a driver of the economy.
“Boda boda is a critical subsector to the economy of the country. Earning an average of Sh1,000 per day, the over 1.2 million riders are supporting up to six million people while injecting about Sh365 billion into our economy annually. The subsector has also provided job opportunities, with the youth being the most beneficiaries accounting for 75 per cent of the total riders,” said Mr. Rigathi.
With the sector having come under fire recently over its conduct, the DP encouraged and directed the boda boda riders to obey the law and collaborate with the police in improving the security in the bodaboda sector.
“We have told the police that boda boda riders are not criminals; they are businessmen. They should be respected and not be harassed. But the riders should also follow the law and traffic rules. Let us not allow boda boda business to be infiltrated by criminal gangs. Don’t allow criminal elements in your enterprise. Be your own policemen and be vigilant,” said Mr. Gachagua at the Kenya Methodist University, Nairobi Campus.
The programme, which is sponsored by the Nyandarua County Woman Representative Faith Gitau under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund intends to train 256 riders on savings and investment uptake of National Health Insurance Fund, road safety and etiquette, among other soft skills.
The second in command also stated that the Ruto Administration is investing in various ways in small-scale businesses such as the introduction of electric motorcycles and implementation of the Hustler Fund.
