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{
    "id": 65802,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/65802/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 283,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Ogari",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Transport",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 385,
        "legal_name": "Simon Ogari Arama",
        "slug": "simon-ogari"
    },
    "content": "The Ministry has development a comprehensive integrated national transport policy that addresses the needs of all modes of transport, including boda boda that is the bicycle and motorcycle riders in the country. The policy was developed through wide consultations with stakeholders and bench-marking in other countries. The policy has been approved by the Cabinet and a sessional paper was developed and presented to the Departmental Committee on Transport, Public Works and Housing. It is my hope that when it is presented to this House for discussion, it will receive the necessary support. I am sure we will achieve that given the way the debate has gone today. The policy comprehensively covers motorized, non-motorized and intermediary modes of transport. It also covers railway, air and sea. The policy makes it a requirement for the needs of non-motorized and intermediary transport to be incorporated during the road design and construction to ensure that adequate infrastructure and amenities for these modes of transport are considered. The policy has also identified the need for establishment of appropriate curricula for training of the boda boda operators and to register and regulate them at the county level. With regard to setting up of the boda boda fund, the Ministry is already encouraging formation of registered groups among boda boda operators. Such groups can access funds from the commercial banks, youth funds and to some extent, the CDF, for enhancing their business and for training. This has been talked about by many of the speakers today. We know that what the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) provides is quite minimal. Also, the banks are expensive. Therefore, using your recommendations, I am sure the policy can be relooked at and debated when it comes before the House. However, the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Council have established an elaborate mechanism and a programme of sensitization and awareness creation amongst boda boda operators. This includes a highway code, and traffic regulations to enable riders to be knowledgeable on the safety use of our roads. The Ministry has also published regulations regarding the boda boda . They may not be very effective, but I am sure it is a way forward and a step in the right direction. For example, the regulations are very clear that we need the drivers to be trained and licensed. We also know of the bottlenecks associated with this because of the sheer numbers and inefficient and inadequate training institutions. We are working on this. It is a requirement that it is only one passenger who is supposed to be carried by one motorcycle rider. They are both supposed to wear helmets. The driver is supposed to wear reflective clothing. In addition to the policy, the Ministry has drafted the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2011 which will incorporate the issue of boda boda. We have also drafted a Bill for the formation of a Transport and Safety Authority. Hon. Members will realize that the question of transport in this country is in the hands of too many sectors. As you know, the Ministry of Transport is more of a policy Ministry. The police, who are in another Ministry, are supposed to do the policing. There are also other departments in charge of licensing and training which do not fall under the Ministry of Transport. If this forthcoming Bill is passed by Parliament, I am sure it will go a long way in putting the issues of transport in one authority. Therefore, it will be easier to address the challenges facing the Ministry. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those remarks, I thank you."
}