Former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza paid a courtesy visit to the Kitui Township Ward boda-boda office on Thursday, March 20, 2025. During her visit, she engaged in a lengthy discussion with boda-boda operators, acknowledging their efforts to create a more organized and accountable sector. The office, which was officially launched by Chief Officer Peter Ketonya Musya on November 6, 2024, serves as a central hub for boda-boda riders to address challenges, participate in sports, and manage Sacco-related matters. It also aims to promote unity among riders by providing a formal space for discussions instead of informal roadside meetings.
In her remarks, CS Malonza praised the riders for their commitment to improving safety and accountability within their sector. She recognized the various challenges they face, particularly concerning security, and urged them to take proactive measures to protect themselves. One of her key recommendations was for riders to be vigilant by keeping track of their peers’ whereabouts. She suggested that operators take photos of new passengers and ensure that colleagues check in on each other in case of unusual delays. These measures, she emphasized, would help reduce incidents of crime involving boda-boda operators.
Kitui Township Ward has a vast network of boda-boda riders, with over 189 stages (locally known as “Mavia”) and more than 6,000 registered members. The large number of operators makes coordination and safety a crucial concern. By encouraging a culture of self-vigilance and peer accountability, the sector can help curb insecurity, ensuring that both riders and passengers feel safe using boda-boda transport services. CS Malonza’s engagement highlighted the need for riders to work together and collaborate with authorities to enhance security and professionalism in the industry.
The visit also coincides with the Kitui County Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions of boda-boda riders. The county has been constructing boda-boda shades across Kitui’s 40 wards to provide riders with shelter and designated waiting areas.
So far, 20 shades have been completed under Phase 1 of the project, with another 20 set for construction in Phase 2. These structures not only offer comfort but also contribute to an orderly and professional image for the boda-boda sector, which in turn boosts public confidence in their services.
The boda-boda industry remains a crucial part of Kitui’s economy, offering affordable transportation and creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people. However, challenges such as crime and disorganization continue to threaten the sector’s growth and reputation. The establishment of the boda-boda office, coupled with county-led infrastructure projects, signifies a step toward professionalizing the industry. Through unity, self-regulation, and government support, the boda-boda sector in Kitui can become safer, more efficient, and better integrated into the broader transport system.
Ends///
