Bolt to support Government’s efforts in training Boda Boda riders

Bolt has today announced it has entered into a partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Youth Service (NYS) that will see them support the training and certification of national Boda Boda riders on matters of road safety.

Bolt says this partnership is part of the company’s support and contributions towards addressing the increasing road safety challenges in the Boda Boda sector. The training program launched in February 2021 is meant to be addressing this challenge.

As part of the partnership, Bolt has donated over 120 Boda Boda safety gears including; helmets, reflective jackets and First-aid kits to NTSA and NYS. The company will also offer business opportunities on a priority basis to the Boda Boda riders who will complete the training.

“We are pleased to be part of this great initiative and to support the NTSA and NYS to make this Programme a success. We are working every day to ensure the drivers/riders on the Bolt platform are providing safe, reliable and efficient services”, said Micah Kenneth, East Africa General Manager at Bolt.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data issued on 11th November 2020, road safety continues to present significant challenges in Kenya due to the many lives lost on the roads. Current road crash statistics indicate a 5.8% increase in fatalities as of 31st October 2020. From the reports, road crashes have claimed the lives of 3,114 persons compared to a similar period in 2019 where 2,942 lives were lost. Further, Kenya recorded 6938 serious injuries and 5186 slight injuries. From statistical analysis, about 50% of these fatalities and injuries victims are pedestrians, followed by Boda Boda.

NYS is currently conducting nationwide training in collaboration with NTSA, the Ministry of Interior & Coordination of the National Government and the Ministry of ICT. Accordingly, Bolt undertakes to support the program as follows:

• Bolt will offer onboarding opportunities on a priority basis to the Boda Boda riders who have completed the NYS training.
• Bolt will support NTSA/NYS with safety kits for the select number of Boda Boda riders who exhibit outstanding training outcomes.

The initiative will see Boda Boda operators undertake a refresher course that will build their capacity, restore order and discipline in the sector and ensure that all riders obtain requisite skills and licenses.

“This is indeed a great opportunity for us because the programme speaks directly to our broader strategy of ensuring high road safety standards and compliance with public transport regulations. The Programme will go a long way in cementing our relationship with NTSA and help build capacity to ensure the provision of safe, reliable and efficient road transport services”, added Micah.

The Boda Boda Rider Training Programme kicked off in February 2021 in three (3) counties: Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos and is set to be rolled out to other counties. The opportunity is open to all Boda Boda riders from across the country.