By Caren Owino, Vihiga
Boda boda operators in Vihiga County have called for urgent government intervention to end rising insecurity targeting riders, with leaders also pushing for economic empowerment programmes to strengthen the sector.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between boda boda leaders and Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo in Vihiga Constituency on Friday, where Luanda MP Dick Maungu said many young riders had been killed just as they were beginning to establish themselves economically.
Maungu said it had become common for riders to lose their lives shortly before completing motorcycle loan repayments.
“You find that a boda boda rider has almost finished paying off the loan for his motorcycle, and just when the loan is about to end, he disappears because he has been killed. I keep asking myself, how does that happen?” he said.
The MP said insecurity had devastated families in his constituency, leaving behind many widows and cutting short the lives of young men in their twenties.
“In my constituency, we have lost far too many people. We have reached a point where there are so many widows. Young people in their twenties are losing their lives because of issues affecting the boda boda sector,” he said.
While thanking the newly appointed Regional Commissioner, County Commissioner and Regional Police Commander for responding to the community’s concerns, Maungu stressed that security required cooperation between residents and security agencies.
“I know that security begins with ourselves. We must all work together to make our communities safe,” he said.
The legislator also urged the national government to expand economic empowerment initiatives targeting boda boda riders, saying operators in Vihiga had watched similar programmes being rolled out in other counties.
“These young people told me this morning that they have seen other counties receiving motorcycles, washing machines and car wash machines. Why is Vihiga being left behind?” he asked.
He proposed that the government organize an empowerment programme that would distribute hundreds of motorcycles and business equipment to youth in the county to help them diversify their sources of income.
Beyond insecurity, Maungu highlighted challenges including insurance costs, accidents and motorcycles being detained at police stations over minor traffic violations.
He appealed to the Regional Police Commander to facilitate the release of motorcycles impounded for petty offences such as failure to wear helmets or delays in renewing insurance.
“I want all motorcycles currently being held at our police stations on account of petty offences to be released without unnecessary obstacles,” he said.
However, he urged riders to comply with the law by ensuring their motorcycles were insured and operated legally.
Addressing the gathering, Omollo acknowledged the boda boda sector as a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy, describing it as the last link connecting villages, homes and businesses to transport services.
“Boda boda operators are the last link in the transport chain, ensuring that no village, home or business is left disconnected,” Omollo said.
He said the government remained committed to empowering the sector under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, noting that it supports livelihoods, creates jobs, expands access to markets and promotes inclusive economic growth.
Omollo also assured operators that security agencies would strengthen collaboration with boda boda leaders through regular engagement forums to address emerging security concerns and improve public safety.
