Funding talks with the Board are at an advanced stage, County Governor Kinuthia Mbugua disclosed on Thursday.

 

Governor Mbugua was speaking at a road safety awareness event for boda boda riders sponsored by the roads agency at a Nakuru hotel.

 

"We have partnered with the Kenya Roads Board to build and maintain better roads and matatu and bus termini in the county," said Governor Mbugua, adding that part of the amount will also be used in developing pedestrian footpaths.

 

The county boss directed the County Executive for Roads, Transport and Public Works Mr Maina Kairu to expedite the process so that the county can get the funds on time.

 

Governor Mbugua also urged boda boda riders to join Saccos and register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to improve their lives.

 

KRB executive director engineer Jacob Ruwa revealed that the body is set to increase fuel levy amount charged per litre up from Sh12 to Sh18 as from July 2016.

 

"We will increase the fuel levy so as to boost the renovation and maintenance of roads," said Mr Ruwa.

 

More than 400 boda boda riders benefited from the road safety awareness programme.

 

They acquired road safety and riding skills from the Automobile Association, basic First Aid and safety skills from the Kenya Red Cross and also HIV/Aids awareness during the one-day event.

 

The KBR director also decried the rise in boda boda accidents, urging operators to observe basic road safety rules to prevent the carnage.

 

"About 40 per cent of fatal road accidents involve boda boda riders. Road safety should be your first responsibility. We decided to organise the programme to sensitise the operators on not just safety but also on how to grow their businesses," said Engineer Ruwa.

 

Nakuru Traffic base commander Mishanze Thoya warned boda boda riders to put on helmets and to avoid obstructing vehicles and speeding.

 

Accidents involving boda boda riders have been on the rise with the Nakuru Level Five Hospital receiving an average of three cases daily.

 

Doctors in the hospital say the number of accidents involving boda boda riders sometimes reaches six in a day.

Source : allafrica.com