Murang’a County has issued smart driving licences to its third cohort of bodaboda riders, marking another milestone in its ongoing campaign to improve road safety and bring order to the popular transport sector.
The cohort, fully sponsored by the county government, has undergone comprehensive training and successfully completed National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) driving tests.
Speaking during the issuing ceremony at the county headquarters on Thursday, Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata said the program demonstrates the county’s commitment to safety and empowerment.
“We are offering free training and ensuring riders acquire smart driving licences so they can operate safely and legally on the roads,” he said. “This initiative protects them while promoting professionalism within the transport sector.”
County Executive Committee Member for Sports Noah Gachucha added that the support lifts a major financial burden from riders and shields them from unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement.
“This programme saves riders money and gives them legal documents that protect them from harassment,” he noted.
Beneficiaries praised the county for creating opportunities, with trainee Naomi Muthoni urging more women to venture into the bodaboda business.
“I want to encourage fellow women to ignore the narrative that we cannot do this work. We can,” she said.
Another rider, John Irungu, welcomed the new licences, which have a three-year validity period. “They no longer expire every year. That gives us peace of mind,” he said.
Each cohort comprises 350 riders drawn from all 35 wards 10 from each ward. The program, now in its second year, also equips riders with skills in safe riding, passenger care, and general road safety. County officials say the initiative is expected to significantly reduce accidents across Murang’a.
