Bolt, the leading on-demand transportation platform in Africa, has forged a partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Youth Service (NYS) in support of the National Boda Boda riders training and certification on matters of road safety.
The partnership is part of Bolt’s support and contributions towards the National Government Boda Boda Rider Training Programme launched in February 2021 to address the increasing road safety challenges in the Boda Boda Sector.
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.
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:
1. Bolt will offer onboarding opportunities on a priority basis to the Boda Boda riders who have completed the NYS training.
2. 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.
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.