Mogo Kenya, East Africa, in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), has trained more than 1,000 boda boda riders in Nakuru County on road safety as part of ongoing efforts to reduce deaths and injuries caused by road traffic accidents.

The training forum, held on Saturday in Naivasha, brought together riders from across the county and focused on promoting safer riding practices, adherence to traffic regulations, and increasing awareness of insurance options that can help riders manage medical costs in the event of accidents.

Riders also received financial literacy and road safety materials to reinforce the training beyond the session.

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Beyond safety awareness, the initiative incorporated practical support aimed at improving riders’ working conditions and well-being.

Mogo provided participants with free motorcycle servicing and bike washing, received reflector jackets to enhance visibility on the roads, and were supported with essential items including foodstuffs. In addition, the association was equipped with electronics such as laptops and printers to strengthen its operations.

Notably, the Naivasha, Nakuru County Boda Association Chairman Mr. John Gitonga received a brand new BM125 Heavy Duty motorcycle, generously donated by Auto Industries Ltd., to support coordination and mobilisation efforts within the sector—further underscoring the role of strong partnerships in driving meaningful impact.

The session further addressed broader issues affecting the sector, including economic empowerment through SACCOs, pension savings awareness, social protection, and behavioural change.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), boda-boda riders, their passengers, and pedestrians account for more than 65 per cent of the approximately 4,000 road fatalities recorded annually in Kenya.

However, fatalities in some counties go unreported, with estimates suggesting the actual number could be three to four times higher—potentially exceeding 12,000 deaths each year, alongside thousands of injuries.

Road crashes also impose a significant economic burden, costing Kenya an estimated 5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to more than Sh450 billion annually.

Nakuru County is among those with the highest number of traffic fatalities, alongside Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Machakos, Kakamega, Makueni, and Kericho.

Speaking during the training, Fernades Kariuki, Product Marketing Manager at Mogo Kenya, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing and sustainability of the boda boda sector.

“Boda boda riders play a critical role in Kenya’s economy and in connecting communities to opportunities. At Mogo, we have supported many riders to access motorcycles and smartphones through affordable financing, enabling them to participate in the digital economy and improve their livelihoods," he said.

"However, road accidents often wipe out these gains due to high treatment costs and lost income. That is why initiatives such as this training are important—to equip riders with knowledge on safe riding and financial protection."

He added that improving road safety not only protects lives but also ensures that operators can continue earning and supporting their families.

BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi noted that the association is working closely with partners to strengthen safety awareness and reduce accidents involving boda boda operators.

“Many of our members depend entirely on this sector for their livelihoods, yet road crashes continue to claim lives and cause serious injuries. Through partnerships such as this one with Mogo Kenya, we are educating riders on the importance of observing traffic rules, riding responsibly, and planning for their financial future,” he said.

The initiative aligns with Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which prioritises training road users—including boda boda riders—as a key strategy to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent over the next four years, in line with the UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.

The boda boda sector remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, generating an estimated KES 660 billion annually and contributing approximately 4.4 per cent of the country’s GDP. The industry directly employs over 2.5 million people, providing vital income for families and communities nationwide.

Through this initiative, Mogo Kenya and the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya aim to strengthen road safety awareness while supporting the sustainability and long-term growth of one of Kenya’s most important transport and livelihood sectors.