President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a fresh directive that will see at least 200,000 boda boda operators from across the country trained.
Speaking three weeks after ordering a nationwide crackdown on the sector, the President directed the Ministry of Transport under Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia, to fast track the training process.
The Head of State noted that the training, which will be carried in conjunction with St. John Ambulance, will include lessons such as first aid in a move he stated will boost the country's first responder capacity.
Under the new scheme, boda boda operators will be able to protect themselves and offer assistance to the government during emergencies.
Uhuru had earlier ordered a crackdown on the boda boda sector. However, the crack down was later suspended by the National Police Service to allow time for consultations.
"Enforcement of compliance of traffic law by public transport motor cycles aka Boda boda crackdown has been stopped. This is to give room to government to reorganize the sector through a multi-sectoral committee working on a framework of implementation," the police stated at the time.
The police, however, maintained that the ban would remain in force in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking on Thursday, March 24, the Head of State further ordered the Ministry of Health to establish a framework of cooperation to co-opt 26,000 volunteers from the St. John Ambulance to strengthen primary healthcare, emergency preparedness, and response interventions.
"That the Ministry of Health facilitates the establishment of a national trauma centre and provide support towards equipping of the highway trauma centres to further strengthen collaboration with St. John Ambulance," Uhuru stated.
The President also directed the Ministry of Health, jointly with the National Treasury and the Attorney General’s office, to come up with amendments to St. John Ambulance of Kenya Act (Chapter 259 of the Laws of Kenya), to strengthen the partnership between the emergency agency and the government.
He applauded St. John Ambulance for the service in Kenya especially during emergencies.
"This feat has been realized through exemplary work that straddles various volunteer services; including ambulance services, highway emergency response, first aid and safety training, maternal healthcare advocacy among others,” he stated.
"So many men and women, in every area of life, have been led by the light of your duty and devotion; and we thank each and everyone of you for your exemplary service."
