Boda Riders to Undergo Compulsory Training After Citizen TV Report Causes Uproar
The Bodaboda Association of Kenya has sent a stern warning to all Bodaboda riders across the country and announced new training measures to be reinforced to bolster the relationship between the riders and their passengers.
This follows an incident in Machakos County on Sunday involving a sexual assault meted out against a female pillion passenger by a local bodaboda rider. The victim in the incident covered on Citizen TV at length reported that the rider had changed her route before she was sexually assaulted by the rider and several of his co-conspirators. Fellow riders insisted that the rider, who has since been indicted, had already been banned from operating in the area.
In a press release on Sunday evening, the BAK National Executive Chairman, Kevin Bwire Mubadi, rebuked the incident insisting there is no place for such conduct in the association and that it does not reflect the values and principles they stand for.
“As the National Executive Chairman of BAK, I want to unequivocally condemn this incident. We are committed to the safety and dignity of all passengers and we take allegations of this nature very seriously. Our primary objective is to ensure that bodaboda riders operate in a manner that is safe and respectful for all individuals,” Part of the statement read.
Bomet Bodaboda Association of Kenya members
Photo
Bodaboda Association of Kenya
To further ensure that the incident does not reoccur, Mubadi announced that riders countrywide will need to undergo fresh training on how to treat their passengers among several new measures to reinforce their commitment to safety and accountability within their ranks.
Topping the list of the new requirements is mandatory training of all bodaboda riders focussed on passenger safety, respect, and ethical behaviour to streamline the professional relationship between passenger and rider.
“This training will emphasise the importance of treating all passengers with dignity,” Mubadi clarified.
All passengers have also been encouraged to report any misconduct by bodaboda riders, a feat that will be achieved by the new reporting mechanisms put in place to ensure that passengers feel safe when speaking out.
BAK also pledged better collaboration with authorities in a bid to ensure that all allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures are taken when the accused are found guilty.
Ending the list of the measures to be implemented will be the launching of public awareness campaigns aimed at educating both passengers and riders about safety practices, rights, and responsibilities.
In the same vein, Mubade assured the Machakos assault victim of a thorough investigation of the incident and the dedication of BAK to ensuring that justice is served insisting that the association stands united in its mission to promote a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all.
He also called upon all stakeholders to join in the efforts of fostering a culture of safety and respect within the community to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
A fleet of motorcycles also popularly known as boda boda at a stage in Kericho County.
Kenyans.co.ke
