In a bid to celebrate road safety champions in the boda boda sector, AA Kenya has rewarded three commercial motorcycle riders with cash prices and United Nations (UN) approved helmets. The riders were nominated by their peers across the country in a social media campaign launched by AA Kenya in May 2021.
The star prize went to Ian Yator, a boda boda rider from Nakuru. He won Sh50,000 while Catheline Mworia and Amos Kerongo, the competition 1st and 2nd Runners-Ups, won Sh10,000 and Sh5,000 respectively.
Speaking during the awards ceremony held at AA Kenya Chief Executive Officer Francis Theuri thanked the winners for promoting safe motorcycle riding noting the sector remains an important cog in Kenya’s transport needs.
“We are pleased that you are road safety ambassadors in the boda boda sector. AA Kenya appreciates your efforts to promote safe roads for all of us,” Theuri remarked.
The CEO’s sentiments were affirmed by Manoj Shah, a Member of AA Kenya Governing Council who thanked the boda boda riders for their adherence to traffic rules and for setting shining examples in the sector.
“I am proud of this moment. We assemble here to recognize you for practising safe motor cycle riding. I now urge you to increase your efforts in road safety by spreading this message to other riders,” Manoj quipped.
The riders lauded AA Kenya for the initiative to recognize boda boda riders. Speaking after receiving his award, Yator noted the cash award was a reward for his efforts to sensitize motorcycle riders to always wear a helmet.
“I operate in Nakuru. I am widely known there for my firm stand on helmets. Our boda boda Sacco does not allow riders without helmets to operate,” Yator revealed.
Yator said his passion for safe motorcycle riding stems from a sad incident. He lost his brother to a road crash.
Yator said: “My brother was a boda boda rider. He got involved in a crash that took his life. What makes it sad for me, and the entirely family, is that he was not wearing a helmet.”
He believes that his brother’s death would probably be avoided had he worn a helmet.
“My brother succumbed to head injuries. If he wore a proper helmet, the situation may have been different,” he said. Mworia, the 1st runner-up in the competition did not hide her joy.
“The helmet and the money I have received today will remain engraved on my mind. The helmet is not only quality but also very comfortable to wear. I am happy AA Kenya has recognized my passion for safe boda boda riding,” she added.