Tinderet: The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Tinderet Constituency has sponsored 200 drivers and riders for a road safety training programme. The drivers and boda boda riders have been training at Barng'etuny Grounds in Songhor-Soba Ward for the past one week.
According to Kenya News Agency, the area Member of Parliament Julius Melly said the initiative was aimed at equipping transport operators with knowledge of the Highway Code, safe road use practices, and defensive driving skills to help reduce road traffic accidents within the constituency. He stated that the beneficiaries were drawn from various parts of the constituency to enhance their understanding of traffic regulations, road signs, accident prevention, vehicle and motorcycle maintenance, customer care, first aid, and emergency response.
'The participants were being sensitized on the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, overloading, and reckless overtaking,' he said. Melly said he recognizes the vital role played by drivers and boda boda riders in supporting the local economy and connecting people to essential services.
He noted that many road accidents can be prevented if motorists and riders strictly adhere to the Highway Code and exercise discipline while using the roads. 'The transport sector is one of the key drivers of economic growth in our constituency. We have therefore invested in this training to ensure our drivers and boda boda riders acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to make our roads safer. Every life matters, and by observing traffic rules, we can significantly reduce road crashes,' he noted.
The legislator added that the training forms part of the constituency's broader empowerment programme targeting young people who earn a living through the transport sector. He observed that many youths have embraced the boda boda business as a reliable source of income and should therefore be supported through continuous capacity building.
The MP urged the participants to become ambassadors of road safety by applying the knowledge gained during the training and sharing it with fellow operators across the constituency. He challenged them to maintain roadworthy vehicles and motorcycles, observe speed limits, wear protective gear where applicable, and respect the rights of pedestrians and other road users.
The MP added that promoting road safety complements the national government's efforts to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by road accidents while enhancing professionalism within the transport industry. Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial. They said the training would refresh their understanding of the Highway Code while exposing them to practical skills to improve their safety and that of their passengers.