TDuring the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi County, Kipchumba Murkomen, the Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, emphasized the pressing need to address the challenges posed by the boda boda sector, attributing it as the primary cause of the country’s high rate of road accidents.
Murkomen highlighted the urgency of tackling issues within the boda boda industry, stating, “If we are going to sort out the accident issue, we have to sort out the boda boda sector. The leading cause of accidents right now is the boda boda industry.”
Comparing past statistics, Murkomen revealed a shift in the leading causes of accidents over the years, noting that recent data indicates a significant increase in road accidents involving boda bodas.
He pointed out, “From 2000 to 2008, it used to be public service and private vehicles. 38 per cent of people we lose are pedestrians, 32 per cent are boda boda riders, and 26 per cent are lost through public and private vehicle accidents. Meaning, if we are to prevent deaths of pedestrians knocked off in Nairobi and other parts of the country, we have to sort out the boda boda sector.”
He pointed out that the boda boda sector has grown significantly in the last decade. There are now 2.5 registered boda bodas with 1.8 million being active.
Drawing attention to neighboring countries, Murkomen highlighted their success in implementing regulations such as mandatory safety helmets for riders, questioning Kenya’s inability to enforce similar measures.
“We should ask ourselves how come our neighboring countries have managed to organize the boda boda sector so that everyone wears a helmet,” Murkomen urged.
According to the Murkomen, the cost of road carnage to Kenya’s economy is estimated at Sh450 billion a year.
The CS had joined H.E. the President in launching the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028. The Plan includes initiatives to improve road infrastructure, enhance enforcement measures, raise public awareness, and promote safe driving.
