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{
    "id": 492116,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/492116/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 52,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Limo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1915,
        "legal_name": "Joseph Kirui Limo",
        "slug": "joseph-kirui-limo"
    },
    "content": "Having said so, there are quite a number of challenges faced by boda boda operators, one of them being the high cost of motorcycles and motorcycle spares. Initially, the Government exempted motorcycles from Value Added Tax (VAT). Following the re-introduction of VAT on motorcycles, the prices of two-wheeled vehicles went up. That is one of the key challenges being faced by stakeholders in this subsector. Another challenge is the cost of fuel, which is high in this country. We hope that the Government will continually apply various measures to reduce the cost of fuel. If you move from one village to another, you will hear a common complaint: that the police always harass boda boda operators. The police take advantage of the weaknesses that our youth have. Most of them are not trained or licensed operators. Therefore, they fall prey to police mischief. A policy on training and licensing will, other than enabling operators of boda bodas to comply with the law, also enable them to operate in a humane and safe manner. Most of them are not well versed in safety regulations. They are not trained in defensive driving. They are not even able to assess the risks they face. Quite a number of people have been caught up in serious accidents because most of the boda boda riders are not well trained. We are supposed to support this Motion, so that the Government can come up with a policy and set up a fund to ensure that boda boda operators are trained. The cost of training should be borne by the Government. Most of our staff at the constituency level have tried, in a way, to look for funding for the operators, especially for acquiring driving licences. Most of our staff are in the process of ensuring that we come together to ensure that they acquire licences at subsidised cost. It will be good if the Government comes up with a clear policy to ensure sustainability of this subsector. Therefore, I urge this House to support the Motion, so that motorcycles can be operated in a regulated environment. We should ensure that operators form savings and credit co-operative societies and operate in a manner similar to that of matatu business. That way, they will be able to take care of their own welfare and their motorcycles. They can even operate spare parts shops as businesses now that the Government is giving them The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}