Boda Boda Association issues demands to Ruto over electric bikes project
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Boda Boda Association concerned over the cost and safety of the electric bikes as they list three demands to Ruto
Boda Boda Association concerned over the cost and safety of the electric bikes as they list three demands to Ruto.
Kenya National Boda Boda Association Chairman Kenneth Onyango presented a list of demands to the government on June 14 before the group’s members adopt electric motorbikes.
Onyango praised President William Ruto’s plan as a positive move, but he also pointed out that over 300,000 association members were worried about the price and security of the electric boda boda.
The chairman argued that instead of presuming that everyone was aware of the advantages of the new program, the government should engage in civic education and public involvement to inform passengers.
“Recently, President William Ruto told us that the country will be shifting from fuel-powered bikes to electric ones. That is a good idea but only if he will assure of us three things.
“The first is tomake the motorbikes zero-rated so that we may get them at a cheaper cost, especially, for the commercial boda boda riders,” he demanded.
The union also requested that the government explain the numerous safety features on electric automobiles for the protection of the rider or in case of an accident.
The chairman pointed out that the lack of adequate safety features and gear in fuel-powered motorbikes had resulted in hundreds of motorcyclists dying in fatal road accidents.
Onyango bemoaned the fact that the protective equipment found on today’s fuel-powered motorbikes, such as gloves, boots, and eye protection, scarcely serves to lessen the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
“We need to know the safety measures for the bikes. We do not want a case where you are riding a motorbike and then you get electrocuted when it rains. It’s important to understand safety measures in motorbikes,” he added.
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Onyango also asked the Head of State to ensure that the new electric motorbikes will come with an efficient power supply, especially, the distribution of batteries that are used to run the bikes.
“It is also important for the government to consider installing so many charging stations across the country so that instead of spending so many hours charging the batteries, it should take around five minutes to exchange batteries,” he noted.
His list of demands comes after on June 1, 2023, President William Ruto announced plans to provide electric bikes to boda boda riders during Madaraka Day celebrations in Embu, Kenya.
Ruto stated that the government would provide the bikes through a financing scheme making them affordable for boda boda riders.
He also noted that the bikes would be more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered bikes.
The announcement was initially welcomed by boda boda riders struggling with the high cost of fuel. They stated that the electric bikes would help them save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
The government has not yet released any details about the financing scheme or the type of electric bikes that will be provided. However, the announcement is a positive step for the boda boda sector and for the environment.
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