Mogo, Boda Boda Association of Kenya Train 1,000 Riders in Nakuru on Road Safety
By Njeri Irungu
28 March 2026, Naivasha
More than 1,000 boda boda riders in Nakuru County have undergone road safety training in a joint initiative aimed at reducing accidents and improving livelihoods within the sector.
The programme, spearheaded by Mogo Kenya in collaboration with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya(BAK), took place in Naivasha and brought together operators from across the county.
The training focused on promoting responsible riding, compliance with traffic rules, and awareness of insurance options to help riders manage medical expenses in the event of accidents. Participants were also taken through financial literacy sessions designed to strengthen their economic resilience.
In addition to the training, riders received practical support including free motorcycle servicing, reflector jackets to improve visibility, and basic supplies. The association also benefited from equipment such as laptops and printers to enhance its operations.
As part of the initiative, Naivasha Boda Boda Association Chairman John Gitonga was awarded a new motorcycle to support coordination efforts within the sector, highlighting the role of partnerships in improving working conditions for riders.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority(NTSA) , boda boda riders, passengers, and pedestrians account for over 65 per cent of the roughly 4,000 road deaths recorded annually in Kenya. However, experts warn that the actual number of fatalities could be significantly higher due to underreporting.
Road accidents continue to place a heavy strain on the economy, with losses estimated at about five per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product each year.
Nakuru County ranks among the regions most affected by traffic fatalities, alongside major urban centres such as Nairobi and Kiambu.
Speaking during the event, Mogo Kenya’s Product Marketing Manager, Fernades Kariuki, said the initiative is part of efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of boda boda riders.
He noted that while access to financing has enabled many riders to acquire motorcycles and participate in the digital economy, road accidents often reverse these gains through high medical costs and loss of income.
Officials from the riders’ association emphasised the importance of continued education and partnerships in addressing safety challenges in the sector, noting that many operators rely entirely on boda boda business for their daily income.
The initiative is in line with Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which seeks to cut road deaths and injuries by half through targeted interventions such as training and awareness campaigns.
The boda boda industry remains a critical part of Kenya’s economy, employing millions and generating hundreds of billions of shillings annually, while serving as a key mode of transport across urban and rural areas.
Stakeholders say sustained investment in safety and rider welfare will be essential in ensuring the sector’s long-term growth and stability.
