Boda boda riders now vow to fight teenage pregnancies'

Migori Boda Boda Association Chairperson Edward Nandi (left) has promised to help protect young girls from sex pests. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The operators now promise to be on the forefront in ensuring all the girls in the region are protected from sex pests.
  • Migori County Education Director of Education Luca Chebet lauded the initiative by the riders.

Boda bodas rider in Migori County have launched a campaign to fight teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

The operators, who for long have been blamed for luring teenagers into sex, now promise to be on the forefront in ensuring all the girls in the region are protected from sex pests and remain in school.

At a sensitisation forum in Migori Town, which brought together the riders, police and education officials, the motorbike taxi operators resolved to form a team that will police members who prey on girls.

"We have taken the decision to join hands with others and stop this menace for the sake of the region," Mr Edward Nandi, the chairperson of Migori Boda Boda Association, said.

"We have resolved to form a committee that will deal with sex predators among members of our association. This will ensure our girls complete primary and secondary schooling. It would be better if as many girls as possible from our region ended up in colleges or universities."

DROPOUT

Besides being apprehended and handed over to the police, those found guilty of molesting girls will not be allowed to operate even after serving their prison sentences, Mr Nandi added.

Boda boda riders have been accused of luring school girls into sex using money, sweets, food, free rides and other “goodies”.

This has led to a high dropout rate of girls in Migori and many other counties.

Migori County Education Director of Education Luca Chebet lauded the initiative by the motorbike riders.

"For many years, boda bodas have been a challenge as far as girls remaining in school is concerned," Mr Chebet told the meeting.

The most affected regions are Kuria and Nyatike.

MONEY

According to Kuria culture, circumcised girls, who may be as young as 10, are sexually mature and ready for marriage.

"After the cut, many riders go for the girls and end up making them pregnant," Mr Gregory Rioba, a children's rights activist in Kuria West said.

County Children’s officer John Odinya said apart from the riders, gold diggers have also been known to prey on girls.

“The riders use the proceeds to dupe the girls into sex,” Mr Odinya said.

He welcomed the campaign, terming it a step in the right direction.

“It is good to note that the riders have realised the problem and decided to be part of the solution. They should be supported by the community and anyone who cares about education,” he said.

Migori has a high rate of teen pregnancies.