Watu Credit Kenya in partnership with National Transport and Safety (NTSA)has commenced sensitization of motorbike Bodaboda operators on Road Safety.
The company that offers motorbikes to operators on loans among other products, revealed that the partnership is also bringing on board the Police Service moreso Traffic Department and Bodaboda Association of Kenya(BAK) to ensure safety on roads.
Speaking in Molo Town on Thursday March 28, 2024 where the company had organized safety clinic for motorbike Bodaboda operators, Watu Credit Limited Kenya’s Sales and Marketing Manager Mr.Victor Getenya noted that since establishment in 2015, Watu Credit has emerged as the leading provider of asset financing to Bodaboda community.
According to him, this plays a pivotal role in their journey of growth and prosperity as operators.
He added that, Watu Credit will continue to engage stakeholders and partners in the transport sector to ensure safety of riders as well as passengers not only during the festive seasons, but throughout the years.
Getenya revealed that policies and guidelines are in place to ensure sustainability of services through good relationship with the customers.
Watu Bodaboda, Watu Simu, Watu Gariand Watu Shule are the products that Watu Credit has continued to avail to customers.
The company has continued to engage operators through grassroot stages and associations to help people understand in all the 47 counties.
“We are here in Molo together with NTSA and other partners among them security team to just have a dialogue on matters road safety. Ours is to offer an option of the mainstream banking system. If we talk of hustlers then Watu Credit Kenya is the company that cares for the hustlers,” he stated.
Bodaboda Association of Kenya President Kevin Mubadi who was the Chief guest at the event lauded Watu Credit Kenya for coming up with strategies of engaging Motorbike Bodaboda operators.
He at the same time challenged the operators to ensure they comply with all the traffic regulations and remain united.
“As an Association, ours is to encourage operators to adhere to traffic regulations on road safety. Unity of motorbike operators is also key in ensuring welfare.
On the issue of theft incidents where operators’ motorbikes are stolen, Mubadi said the Association is engaging Ministry of interior to address the same.
“All motorbikes will be registered under a data management system through our close working with Ministry of Interior,” he said.
He also called on operators to avert allowing their motorbikes to be used to transport illicit brew, adding that this will help the government in the ongoing crackdown on illicit brew.
During the clinic, helmets and reflectors were donated to female operators in Molo as a way of motivating them for their role in the sector that has employed several youth.
Molo Deputy County Commissioner Ngura Mwamachi on his part stated that Road Safety is a collective responsibility hence a multi-agency approach.
The Administrator reiterated that the war on illicit brew by the government will go on and urged motorbike Bodaboda operators to support government on the same.
Meanwhile, Molo Traffic Department’s Bases Commander Victor Andere has urged all operators to ensure they have insurance before taking to the roads.
The Base Commander who spoke during the safety clinic told the operators that insurance, driving license and safety gears is a must for all operators.
He added that those who will contravene the same will face the full wrath of the law.
“All operators should ensure that they have insurance just Incase of accidents. We have also noticed that most operators do not have license. As a department we are ready to assist them apply for the same. Safety gears is also a must for operators as per the traffic regulations,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Molo OCS Johnson Lemuna.
The OCS called on operators to also get time and rest more so during night hours so that they can commence work in the morning when their mind is fresh.
This, he said will help avert accidents involving riders.
Molo Assistant County Commissioner Joab William on his part revealed that the criminal cases have reduced due to good collaboration with Bodaboda operators in Molo.
The officer warned that operators whose motorbikes are involved in criminal activities such as ferrying bhang, alcohol or methanol then the government will confiscate and own them.
This even as NTSA maintains that the government is focused on proper training towards road safety.
Samuel Musumba (Director Road Safety at NTSA) said the government is focused on ensuring trainings towards the updated licenses more so class A licenses.
He also urged Bodaboda operators’ leadership to ensure all operators have log books.
This, he said will ensure the operators take care of the motorbikes hence no accidents.
Musumba revealed that Government is moving towards standard helmet. Funds have been allocated towards the same.
“The helmets will be manufactured and tested in the country. Launching will be soon,” he said.
And even as Easter holidays commence, the officer stalwartly stated that NTSA is on a mission to ensure safety on major roads in the country.
Motorbike Bodaboda operators on their part have called for better working relationships between credit companies and operators.
Through Nakuru County Motorbike Bodaboda operators’ Spokesperson Stephen Mwanda, the operators decried that some credit companies are exploiting clients, an issue that should be addressed.
“We need to ensure the Credit Companies are not harassing clients. I urge the Bodaboda operators to join one strong Sacco towards Economic empowerment. Unity of motorbike operators is key in ensuring growth of the sector,” stated Mwanda.