Co-operative Bank of Kenya has signed a Sh63.69 million deal with German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to train boda boda riders on business management and safe riding.
Through the Co-operative Bank Foundation, the program is to enhance boda boda riders incomes and reduce accidents.
In a statement, head of Co-op Bank Foundation Dora Waruiru said that the deal eyes about 3,000 boda boda riders, most of whom are aged 35 years and below.
“The boda boda sector has emerged rapidly to become a great opportunity for creating jobs and incomes especially for young people, but has come with huge challenges not least of which is the unacceptably high rate of accidents and loss of lives. It is therefore a great honour for us to partner with GIZ, NTSA and others to support boda boda riders run their business in a safe and profitable fashion,” she said.
GIZ Country Director Bodo Immink said that this project they are setting the stage for urban and sustainable mobility.
The foundation will be engaging the riders through their associations and groups as well as motorcycle fleet owners.
They will also target motorcycle fleet owners, women run boda boda and riders who operate electric and solar-powered motor bikes.
The project will also involve National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in training riders on road safety and compliance.
The country has witnessed the growth of motorcycles transportation in and out of the city.
In major towns and cities, boda boda have been increasingly popular and income earners but are fast gaining notoriety as a fatal attraction.
However, the boda bodas have also been the main cause of accidents in cities and towns.
In 2019, there was a 41 per cent surge in boda boda accidents where 348 passengers were killed, compared to 247 reported in 2018.