Boda boda riders in Bungoma County have undergone specialized training in emergency response as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce fatalities. The initiative, spearheaded by local authorities and health professionals, aims to equip riders with essential first-aid skills to handle accident victims before medical teams arrive.
The training session, held in Bungoma town, brought together hundreds of riders who were taught basic life-saving techniques, including CPR, bleeding control, and proper accident scene management. According to the organizers, the boda boda sector plays a crucial role in transportation, but it is also associated with high accident rates due to reckless driving and inadequate emergency response mechanisms.
County health officials emphasized the importance of equipping riders with first-aid knowledge, noting that they are often the first responders in road accident situations. “Many lives can be saved if riders know how to administer basic first aid before an ambulance arrives,” said one of the trainers.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka praised the initiative, urging boda boda riders to embrace road safety measures and be proactive in protecting lives. He also called on the national government to introduce more structured training programs for riders to improve their skills and reduce accidents.
Participants welcomed the training, stating that it not only benefits accident victims but also boosts their confidence in handling emergencies. They urged the county government to roll out similar programs in other regions to ensure more boda boda operators are equipped with life-saving skills.
With the boda boda sector growing rapidly, such initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to reducing road accident fatalities and enhancing public safety in Bungoma and beyond.
