Association enhances efforts to tame rising theft of motorbikes

 

Boda Boda Association of Kenya President Kevin Mubadi{In Suit} joins members of Kisumu County Boda Boda Association in a dance during a session to sensitize them on the issue of security. With him is President of Bunge La Wananchi Obungu Owich-Photo and Story By Dickson Odhiambo

 

September 17, 2024

 Association enhances efforts to tame rising theft of motorbikes

The National Boda-boda Association of Kenya (BAK) has launched a coordinated initiative to combat the rising theft of motorbikes in the Nyanza region and other parts of the country.

 

 The Association will lead the efforts by working with the partners including national Police to disrupt organized syndicates responsible for stealing the motorbikes in Kenya and smuggling them across the border into the neighboring countries.

 

Speaking during an event in Kisumu today, BAK President Kevin Mubadi expressed concern over the escalating number of motorbike thefts targeting boda-boda riders across the country.

 

He notes that there is a sharp rise in instances where criminals pose as customers to steal bikes, adding that there is need to lay emphasis for heightened security measures and community awareness programs to combat this issue.

 

“These motorbikes are our means of livelihood. Many of us have worked hard to buy them, and some of us have acquired them on loans. We must take every legal measure to protect our assets from these syndicates. The partnership with the police and Watu will enable us to respond swiftly to any theft attempts, safeguarding both property and lives,” the Association’s President says.

 

Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo has committed to strengthening the county's efforts to combat and curb boda-boda theft and promised a swift response and action from the police.

 

 He has equally cautioned boda-boda riders for abetting crimes and for endangering other road users.

 

“We will double police patrols in high-risk areas, improve investigation techniques, and focus on apprehending perpetrators by relying on first-hand witness accounts from boda-boda stage chairpersons throughout the region,” Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo says.

 

Watu Regional Manager Kisumu Len Ogolla says the organization is leading the charge in implementing advanced tracking systems and security devices for motorbikes.

 

 He adds that these technologies are essential for tracking stolen bikes and preventing future thefts

 

The BAK and Watu initiative will include Community policing in collaboration with stage chairpersons as well as increased police patrols in theft-prone areas to deter criminal activities.

 

The other one include establishment of a rapid response team to handle theft incidents promptly.

 

Additionally, the Kisumu County Boda-boda Association office will conduct regular safety sensitization seminars for the riders and promote community awareness campaigns to encourage residents and riders to support and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.