Governor Julius Malombe on Tuesday issued smart driving licenses to 783 boda boda operators following an intensive road safety and professional riding program sponsored by the Kitui County Government.
The ceremony, held at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Kitui Regional Research Centre, was attended by an estimated 7,000 operators. The 783 graduates were part of an initial group of 1,200 trainees, representing a 66% completion rate.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Malombe emphasized the economic significance of the sector, noting that motorbike taxis account for approximately 85% of transport within Kitui County. He urged riders to transition from informal operations to organized business entities by forming Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
“I encourage you to form SACCOs to achieve financial self-reliance. If you take this sector seriously, you will prosper,” Dr. Malombe said, citing the success of SACCOs in the teaching profession as a model for wealth creation.
The Governor also challenged the industry to improve its professional image and gender inclusivity. A recent county survey revealed that of the 13,598 registered riders in Kitui, only 31 (0.24%) are women.
“We want to see more women joining this sector because they are equally capable,” Malombe said. He also highlighted a significant regulatory gap, noting that 79% of the county’s riders currently operate without valid licenses. “Our goal is to ensure every operator is fully licensed and compliant with the law.”
The Governor further called on the riders to maintain discipline and reject “goonism,” emphasizing that Kitui’s organized boda boda structures have become a model for other counties, which now visit for benchmarking.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Augustine Wambua Kanani and several County Executive Committee members, including Reuben Mulwa Itiko (Roads), Richard John Mwendandu (Energy), Joyce Kasyoka Masila (Education), Peter Mwikya Kilonzo (Finance), and Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele (Agriculture).
Earlier in the day, Governor Malombe officially commissioned the Kitui Town traffic lights. The multi-million shilling project, funded by the county government, is now operational and expected to significantly improve urban traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
