A LETTER TO THE 'BODA BODA' (MOTORCYCLES)

First and foremost I would like to congratulate you for having revolutionized the transport industry in Kenya. You have bequeathed Kenyans the best gift they could ever ask for. A quick, convenient affordable mode of transport. You are a transporter, a taxi, an errand boy, and occasionally a good Samaritan. You are only a step away from tele-transportation!

In fact, you have rendered Google Maps software irrelevant because when Kenyans have visitors all they need to do is to give them your number.

The reason I am writing to you is so that we can agree on a few things that have brought tears, pain, disabilities, and death left widows, widowers,and orphans.

As I pen this letter, some of you and even your valued customers are in hospitals recuperating from motorcycle-related accidents and molds of fresh graves is a sign all is not well in your boda boda industry.

Firstly, let's agree that the motorcycle can never and will never be a car. Being a two-wheeler it operates on delicate scientific principles called gravity, balance, and a heavy dose of common sense😀

Unlike a car, you don't have the benefit of a bumper, an airbag, braking system. That explains why your reverend motorcycle costs less than 1/8th of a car. To be exact the price of 2-3 TV sets. The implications are life- threatening. It means that in case of a motorcycle accident, your head is the bumper, your knees the banner, and your face the windscreen. need I explain further?

Secondly, I would like us to agree that your motorcycles were never meant for racing. The thread on your tyres means that at the speed of over 40km per hr, you are actually over-speeding.

I would also like us to agree that Kenyans never asked you to be their hero. For unknown reasons, you have mindlessly chosen to be one- by weaving recklessly in between moving vehicles.

Did you know that before the advert for motorcycle transport, there was never a boda-boda wing in hospitals? Crossing the road for our children was simple. They now have to look left and right over 6 times in case you run them over. You have actually rewritten the traffic code but at a great price. So you are allergic to a crash helmet? the only known cure is a fine or prison term.

All Kenyans are asking is that you put your own safety and theirs first.

😒😒😒