More than 1,000 boda boda riders in Nakuru County have undergone road safety training in a joint initiative by Mogo Kenya and the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, as stakeholders intensify efforts to curb rising road fatalities in the country.
The training forum, held in Naivasha on March 28, 2026, focused on promoting safer riding practices, compliance with traffic regulations, and financial awareness to help riders manage risks associated with road accidents.
Focus on safety and financial protection
Organisers said the programme was designed to address both behavioural and economic challenges facing boda boda operators, who remain among the most vulnerable road users in Kenya.
Participants were trained on defensive riding techniques, road safety rules, and the importance of insurance cover in mitigating medical costs in the event of accidents.
“Boda boda riders play a critical role in Kenya’s economy and in connecting communities to opportunities,” said Fernades Kariuki, Product Marketing Manager at Mogo Kenya. “However, road accidents often wipe out these gains due to high treatment costs and lost income. That is why initiatives such as this training are important.”
He added that equipping riders with both safety knowledge and financial protection tools would help sustain their livelihoods while reducing fatalities.
Practical support for riders
Beyond training, the initiative included practical interventions aimed at improving the working conditions of riders.
Participants received free motorcycle servicing and bike washing, reflector jackets to enhance visibility, and essential supplies including foodstuffs. The association was also supported with operational equipment such as laptops and printers to strengthen coordination and outreach.
In a symbolic boost to the sector, Naivasha Boda Association Chairman John Gitonga received a new BM125 motorcycle donated by Auto Industries Ltd to support mobilisation efforts within the county.
Rising road fatalities and economic cost
The initiative comes against the backdrop of alarming road safety statistics in Kenya. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, boda boda riders, passengers, and pedestrians account for more than 65 percent of the approximately 4,000 road deaths recorded annually.
However, experts estimate the actual number of fatalities could be significantly higher due to underreporting, potentially exceeding 12,000 deaths each year.
Road crashes also carry a heavy economic burden, costing the country about 5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, equivalent to over KSh450 billion annually.
Nakuru County is among the regions with the highest number of road accidents, alongside Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Machakos, Kakamega, Makueni, and Kericho.
Strengthening partnerships for safer roads
BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi said partnerships between private sector players and industry associations are critical in addressing safety challenges within the boda boda sector.
“Many of our members depend entirely on this sector for their livelihoods, yet road crashes continue to claim lives and cause serious injuries,” he said. “Through partnerships such as this one, we are educating riders on the importance of observing traffic rules and planning for their financial future.”
The training also covered broader themes including SACCO participation, pension savings, social protection, and behavioural change, reflecting a holistic approach to rider empowerment.
Aligning with national safety goals
The programme supports Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50 percent over the next four years.
The plan aligns with the global UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), which calls for coordinated efforts to improve road user behaviour and strengthen safety systems.
With the boda boda sector employing over 2.5 million people and contributing an estimated KSh660 billion annually to the economy, stakeholders say improving safety is not only a public health priority but also an economic imperative.
Through continued collaboration, Mogo Kenya and BAK say they aim to scale similar initiatives across the country, reinforcing safety awareness while supporting the long-term sustainability of one of Kenya’s most vital transport sectors.
