The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, Friday called on boda boda operators across the country to embrace formal organisation, strengthen cooperation with security agencies and take advantage of Government empowerment programmes.
Speaking during a Boda Boda Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Busia County on Friday, Dr. Omollo addressed more than 2,000 riders drawn from different parts of the county, describing the boda boda industry as one of the country’s biggest employers of young people and a major contributor to the economy.
He said the Government had already conducted similar engagements in Kilifi County, Kisumu County and Homa Bay County, adding that the forums would be rolled out in all 47 counties.
Dr. Omollo praised boda boda riders in Busia for their collaboration with security agencies, National Government Administrative Officers and local security teams, saying the partnership had played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the border county.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation we have continued to receive from boda boda operators on matters of security. This close working relationship has helped us maintain peace and respond effectively to security concerns within the county,” he said.
The PS also reiterated President William Ruto’s directive on the release of motorcycles impounded for minor offences, urging security commanders to facilitate the discharge of bikes detained over petty compliance issues in accordance with the law and Government policy.
He further encouraged riders to register under SACCOs and recognised associations, arguing that stronger organisation would improve professionalism, accountability and self-regulation in the sector.
According to Dr. Omollo, proper registration and identification mechanisms would help weed out criminal elements that have infiltrated the industry while protecting legitimate operators and expanding their access to empowerment opportunities.
The PS also urged residents of Busia to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, noting that more than half of the county’s population had already enrolled. He said increased registration would help the Government plan effectively for healthcare delivery and improve access to affordable medical services.
Dr. Omollo highlighted ongoing Government projects in the region, including road infrastructure, markets, affordable housing and railway expansion, saying the initiatives reflected the Government’s commitment to equitable development across the country.
“As people from Western Kenya, we appreciate the ongoing development programmes and the efforts being made to ensure every region benefits equally from Government projects and opportunities,” he said.
He called on residents to support peace, unity and development while rejecting divisive politics that could undermine progress already achieved.
The forum was attended by Paul Otuoma, Kenneth Lusaka, Aaron Cheruiyot, Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia and representatives from the boda boda sector across the Western region.
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