NAIROBI, Kenya- In a bid to tackle the alarming rise in road fatalities among Boda Boda riders, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has teamed up with mobility services provider AA Kenya to launch a groundbreaking initiative.
Dubbed “Boda License na Mia,” this program allows riders to obtain their licenses for just Sh100 per day over 61 days, making the process more accessible and affordable.
The “Boda License na Mia” initiative is part of the recently launched National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028.
It aims to address the dire situation on Kenyan roads, where out of over five million Boda Boda riders, only two million are currently licensed.
The NTSA and AA Kenya are targeting these unlicensed operators, hoping to drastically reduce the number of accidents and fatalities associated with the sector.
Riders often enter the profession through informal peer-to-peer training, skipping the necessary professional education and licensing. As a result, many find themselves on the wrong side of the law, resorting to paying bribes to avoid the high costs of compliance.
Francis Theuri, CEO of AA Kenya, highlights that the full cost of training and licensing, which totals around Sh10,450, has been a significant barrier for many riders.
With this new initiative, the financial burden is significantly reduced, making it easier for riders to obtain the necessary training and licenses.
The NTSA is also introducing new regulations aimed at improving compliance within the Boda Boda sub-sector.
These measures are expected to provide a more structured and safer environment for riders and passengers alike.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the stark statistics: between May 2022 and October 2023, nearly 10,000 people were affected by motorcycle crashes in Kenya.
Tragically, Boda Boda operators account for 74pc of the deaths resulting from these accidents, making them particularly vulnerable.
NTSA chairman Manoj Shah emphasizes the importance of the Boda Boda sector, which plays a critical role in supporting micro and small enterprises, farmers, and even emergency services.
However, Shah also stresses the need for more effective regulation to ensure the safety of all road users.
AA Kenya, originally founded over 100 years ago as an automobile importer by ex-military officer Lionel Galton Fenzi, has evolved into a multifaceted mobility services provider.
Today, the organization offers a wide range of services, including driver training, motor vehicle valuation, car insurance brokerage, and road rescue.
With over 62 branches across the country, AA Kenya is well-positioned to help professionalize the Boda Boda sector through its extensive network and expertise.
The partnership between NTSA and AA Kenya is a crucial step towards improving road safety in Kenya.
By making licensing more affordable and accessible, the “Boda License na Mia” initiative aims to bring more riders into compliance, ultimately reducing the number of road accidents and saving lives.
