ISIOLO COUNTY: GOVERNOR KUTI PRESIDES OVER THE GRADUATION OF BODABODA TRAINEES

Governor Dr. Mohamed Abdi Kuti has this afternoon attended a ceremony where about 500 Bodaboda operators from Isiolo have graduated from various driving schools in the County.
The program began late last year in the heat of Matiang'is damning new transport rules which rendered most bodaboda operators in town ineligible to ply their trade which is the only source of livelihood they had mustered leaving many without any income.
This was condemned vehemently by leaders across the nation but the law took its course and they had no option but to comply.
Following numerous appeal to the governor to intervene, the calls were heeded and Isiolo County C.S Dr. Ahmed 'Sambile' Galgalo announced that the county government shall undertake an ambitious initiative meant to cushion the vulnerable bodaboda operators from harassment by law enforcement agencies and also for their own safety and those of the other road users.
The program was to finance the training of the more than 500 Bodaboda operators and equip them with the relevant paraphernalia for the trade which is by all means youth centred. These are among other things;- reflector jackets, helmets,insurance and riding boots!
The first phase of the program which had more than 500 candidates successfully graduated marks a new era for the bodaboda operators and the sector in general since this is the first ever program funded by any county government meant to add value to the bodaboda services in the entire country.
Some of the beneficiaries we spoke to thanked the governor and his administration for giving them a thought and salvaging their trade which they said is the only source of income they had the skills and ability to undertake.
Others have however registered their reservations saying the process wasn't fair since the process of identifying the eligible ones was not carried out independently and that the second phase should be different.
Their particular concern was the fact that the eligibility for the program was left to 'stage chairpersons' which they say may lead to conflicts of interest and favoritism as there are no proper structures to determine the eligible candidates.
They said some who undertook the training have never engaged themselves in the bodaboda business while some of them who have been veteran riders were left in the cold.
Their hope is that the second phase shall seal this loophole and ensure the program is transparent and free from corruption.
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