By. YOANA KIMWELE
Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has intensified efforts to professionalize the county’s boda boda industry after issuing Smart Driving Licences to 783 trained motorcycle operators drawn from all 40 wards. The licences were presented during a ceremony held at KEFRI Grounds on Tuesday in a programme implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Kitui and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Speaking during the event, Governor Malombe said the initiative is designed to improve road safety, promote professionalism and accountability among boda boda riders, and enhance their economic well-being. He noted that a well-trained and licensed transport sector is critical to reducing road accidents while creating a more reliable public transport system across the county.
The Governor described the programme as a major step in implementing his administration’s 16-Sector Development Agenda, specifically Pillar 12, which seeks to transform the boda boda industry into a safe, organized and economically empowered sector. He emphasized that empowering riders with the right skills and legal documentation will boost public confidence and open up more opportunities for young people.
Dr. Malombe observed that although the boda boda sector has emerged as one of the largest employers of youth in Kitui County, many operators remain unlicensed. He revealed that of the 13,909 registered boda boda riders in the county, only 2,968 currently hold valid driving licences, highlighting the urgent need for expanded training and licensing programmes.
The Governor said the beneficiaries successfully completed comprehensive training covering traffic regulations, road safety, customer care, personal health, medical fitness assessments and traffic compliance tests. He urged the newly licensed riders to treat the Smart Driving Licence not merely as a legal requirement but as a symbol of responsibility, discipline and public trust.
He challenged operators to uphold high standards of professionalism by avoiding reckless riding, overloading, alcohol and substance abuse, criminal activities and other practices that compromise public safety. He further encouraged young people in the sector to embrace financial discipline, save through SACCOs, invest their earnings and grow the boda boda business into a sustainable source of income.
Earlier, Governor Malombe commissioned newly installed traffic signal lights at the junction of Kitui–Kibwezi Road and Mbusyani Road in Township Ward. He described the installation as a major milestone in improving traffic flow, enhancing road safety and modernizing transport infrastructure within Kitui Municipality, reaffirming his administration’scommitment to safer roads and better transport services for residents.
