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Boda bodas in Kenya: How a digital registry via SACCOs can make the industry better
Boda bodas are a vital part of the transportation sector in Kenya. They are estimated to carry over 30 million passengers per day, making them the most popular mode of public transport in the country.
However, the boda boda sector is also plagued by challenges, such as:
Unregistered riders: A significant number of boda boda riders are not registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This makes it difficult to track and regulate the sector.
Lack of training: Many boda boda riders have not received formal training on road safety and customer service. This can lead to accidents and poor customer experiences.
Security concerns: Boda boda riders have been accused of engaging in criminal activities, such as theft and robbery. This has made some passengers hesitant to use boda boda services.
A digital registry via SACCOs could help to address these challenges by:
Promoting registration: SACCOs could require their members to be registered with NTSA as a condition of membership. This would help to ensure that all boda boda riders are properly vetted and insured.
Providing training: SACCOs could offer training programs on road safety and customer service to their members. This would help to improve the quality of services provided by boda boda riders.
Improving security: SACCOs could implement security measures, such as background checks and tracking systems, to help protect passengers and riders.
In addition to these benefits, a digital registry via SACCOs could also help to:
Promote financial inclusion: SACCOs could provide financial services to their members, such as loans and savings accounts. This would help boda boda riders to improve their financial well-being.
Reduce costs: A digital registry could help to reduce the costs of operating a boda boda business. For example, SACCOs could negotiate bulk discounts on fuel and spare parts for their members.
Improve data collection: A digital registry would provide valuable data on the boda boda sector. This data could be used to inform government policies and programs related to the sector.
Overall, a digital registry via SACCOs has the potential to make the boda boda sector in Kenya more efficient, safe, and secure.
Here are some specific examples of how a digital registry via SACCOs could be used to improve the boda boda sector:
Riders could use their digital ID to access services such as fuel, insurance, and healthcare. This would make it easier and more convenient for riders to operate their businesses.
Passengers could use the digital registry to book rides and track their location in real time. This would improve the safety and security of passengers.
SACCOs could use the data from the digital registry to develop new products and services for their members. For example, SACCOs could offer riders microloans to purchase new motorcycles or to invest in their businesses.
The implementation of a digital registry via SACCOs would require collaboration between the government, SACCOs, and boda boda associations. However, the benefits of such a system would be significant for all stakeholders.
Boda boda accidents in Kenya: The toll on families
Boda bodas are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Kenya, but they are also involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. In 2022, boda boda accidents accounted for 35% of all road traffic fatalities in Kenya.
The toll of boda boda accidents on families is devastating. Riders and passengers are often the primary breadwinners for their families, and their deaths or injuries can leave their loved ones struggling to survive.
The financial toll
Boda boda accidents can have a significant financial impact on families. Riders and passengers who are injured or killed in accidents often incur high medical bills. Even if they survive, they may be unable to work, which can lead to a loss of income.
Families may also have to pay for funeral expenses and other costs associated with the death of a loved one. In addition, the loss of a breadwinner can leave families struggling to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter.
The emotional toll
The emotional toll of boda boda accidents is also significant. Families often experience grief, anger, and guilt. They may also worry about their financial future and how they will cope without their loved one.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the emotional effects of boda boda accidents. They may lose a parent or sibling, and they may be struggling to cope with their grief. They may also be worried about their financial future and how they will afford school and other expenses.
What can be done to reduce the toll of boda boda accidents?
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the toll of boda boda accidents, including:
Improving road safety: The government can improve road safety by investing in better infrastructure, such as safe sidewalks and bike lanes. The government can also enforce traffic laws more strictly and educate the public about road safety.
Training boda boda riders: Boda boda riders should be required to undergo formal training on road safety and customer service. This training would help riders to develop the skills and knowledge they need to operate their businesses safely.
Promoting the use of safety gear: Boda boda riders and passengers should be required to wear helmets and other safety gear. This would help to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
Providing support to families of victims: The government and other organizations can provide financial and emotional support to families of victims of boda boda accidents. This support can help families to cope with the financial and emotional costs of the accident.
Reducing the toll of boda boda accidents will require a concerted effort from the government, the boda boda sector, and the public. By working together, we can make boda boda transportation safer for everyone.