Nairobi: The County Government of Vihiga has partnered with local boda boda operators to enhance road safety standards and combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the County. The engagement forum held at the County government Headquarters in Mbale town brought together county Chief officers, enforcement officers, and boda boda leadership from all six Sub-counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, area Boda boda representative Alex Ekhuya stated that the Chief Officers urged operators to champion the fight against GBV in villages, market centers, and at boda boda stages. He emphasized that riders often serve as first responders when victims seek help to escape abuse. “We have been told to be ambassadors against GBV. Now we are licensed to protect GBV. If we witness defilement or domestic violence, we must act and hand over perpetrators to authorities,” Ekhuya said.
Ekhuya noted that GBV cases within the boda boda sector have decreased due to continuous sensitization efforts. However, he highlighted that incidences of incest and domestic violence remain a significant concern in villages across Vihiga and requested the County to establish rescue centers for victims.
The forum also included the issuance of driving licenses to boda boda operators who completed training at Sigalagala National Polytechnic. The course covered road safety, traffic rules, first aid, and customer care. A Security Officer attached to Vihiga Boda Boda SACCO, Mfana Simeon, expressed gratitude to the Governor for facilitating the licensing process. He noted that structured leadership and stage registration have reduced motorcycle thefts. “Previously, there were many theft cases. Now every rider is known at his stage. If you commit a crime or abuse a minor, you will be expelled from the SACCO and handed over to police,” Simeon said.
Boda boda operator Victor Magado remarked that having a license provides formal authorization to operate legally. “When you have a license, you operate freely without harassment, and passengers trust you more because you are trained,” Magado said.
Vihiga Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, commended the riders for their patience, describing the licensing as a significant milestone for safety. “Safety is a critical priority because you carry our citizens every day. We want to ensure every operator undergoes proper training and receives an official driving license to guarantee passengers reach their destinations safely,” Governor Ottichilo stated.
The Governor acknowledged that Vihiga’s boda boda leadership, led by Chairman Franklin Muchile, aka Junior, is recognized nationally for its organization, revealing that the boda boda sector contributed Sh11 million to County own-source revenue last year.
