More than 300 bodaboda operators from across Tharaka Nithi County trained under the sponsorship of Chuka University are set to receive licenses.
So far 200 from Chuka Igambang’ombe and Maara constituencies have completed the training while 100 from Tharaka constituency are still undertaking the training lessons.
Speaking at Tharaka University College’s Principal, Prof Peter Kinyua Muriungi, during launch of the program for Tharaka chapter, said the target was to ensure that all riders in the county are trained on road safety and have licenses.
The don said the program had already reduced accidents that have not only claimed the lives of the riders but also customers and even pedestrians.
“We will pick learners from all the five wards,” said Prof Muriungi.
He said the initiative which is a brainchild of Chuka University Vice Chancellor Erastus Njoka and part of the varsity’s cooperate social responsibility activity, was a clear indicator that if given a chance to lead as Governor in 2022, he would greatly better the lives of the locals.
Prof Muriungi said Prof Njoka’s development record is clear especially with a look at Chuka University which started a few years ago but is at par with old universities in the country which started many decades ago.
The don said he will also collaborate with the riders to fight drug peddlers who mainly target students.
Tharaka Bodaboda Operators Chairperson Evans Kinoti said since most of the drug peddlers use motorbikes, they weed out criminals by ensuring that each and every rider is a member of their registered group and that their motorbike has a unique identification.
He noted that so far, there are 110 registered bodaboda operators groups in Tharaka constituency but there are many others who are not part of them.
“We have over 1000 riders without licenses and that is why we support this initiative by Prof Njoka and we vow to support his bid,” said Mr Kinoti.
