By Ben Leshau
Boda Boda operators in Narok town in Narok County have introduced stage registration numbers in a bid to protect customers against rogue motorcyclists.
Addressing journalists recently, the newly elected Boda Boda officials said they have introduced measures to curb crime alleged to have been linked to them for a long time.
John Nampaso, who was re-elected the Chairman vowed to bring sanity into the Boda Boda business in the area by ensuring that criminal elements allegedly hiding in their midst are weeded out.
“As Boda Boda operators we are law abiding citizens and the allegations that we are being used to commit crimes as well as to ferry illegal cargo like bhang, chang’aa are untrue. In fact we are on the forefront in addressing this issues,” observed Nampaso.
“Each bike shall bear a stage name and number and in case of any incident the customer can be able to easily identify the culprit,” he said.
The operators lamented over the high monthly charges by the local government, saying the Sh500 monthly payment was too high and appealed for it to be reduced to Sh300.
Nicholas Pareiyo who was elected as the co-ordinator urged members to observe high standards of hygiene.
The operators have also complained of alleged harassment by some county askaris who ambush them while in plain clothes.
“Some people purporting to be council askaris also come to us demanding Sh300 to give us a Sh500 stickers and we do not know whether indeed they are county officers or imposters,” said Peter Maina,Secretary.
Town administrator Joel Nkurumwa hailed the operators for holding peaceful elections and asked them to channel their grievances to his office for appropriate action.