Riders to list all members in new reform bid
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i yesterday directed government officials to take a register of all boda boda officials and include them in the local affairs of their regions.
As a result, boda boda representatives will work closely with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) as part of plans to reform the sector. “Boda boda officials should attend government meetings in their respective areas. We are a confident government that is very open. We are not a government in hiding. We will answer all your questions,” he said.
Following the March 4 attack on a woman motorist on Wangari Maathai Road, Nairobi, the government embarked on a massive plan to transform the sector that has for long been associated with disorder and crime.
Matiang’i yesterday said reforming the sector was a critical public policy decision the government had already made. The measures in place include maintaining a digital register of riders and registering them in saccos.
Matiang’i told the Secretary for Internal Security, Wilfred Njenga, to get a list of all the officials and share it with regional, county and sub-county commissioners. He urged the riders to be honest and reform the sector.
“It takes leadership and courage to do the right thing. The government is not your opponent; the government is one of your strongest ally,” he said.
United Nations Population Fund representative Ademola Olajide said besides partnering with Boda Boda Association of Kenya to create synergy in the delivery of sexual reproductive health rights, the two organisations had also committed to promote gender equity and end gender-based violence.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said the ministry would continue supporting the sector and challenged the riders to start investing.
And Matiang’i advised them to start collecting news using their mobile phones. “Think of capturing and sharing what you see,” he said.
