Kericho: Leaders in Kericho County have raised alarm over the rising number of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases and are now involving boda boda operators as key partners in efforts to fight the vice through a new awareness and empowerment initiative. During the official launch of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Awareness Initiative at Cheptororiet-Seretet village in Belgut Sub-County, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei revealed that 81 SGBV cases had been reported in the county since January this year, a majority involving minors, decrying the continued silence and delayed justice for victims as many perpetrators remained at large.

According to Kenya News Agency, the event also served as an awareness initiative for the Cheptororiet-Seretet Boda Boda SACCO, an empowerment drive that brought together hundreds of boda boda riders in a strategy aimed at addressing social and economic issues simultaneously. The woman rep emphasized that tackling gender-based violence required a multi-pronged approach, adding that the boda boda sector, being deeply embedded in the community, played a critical role.

‘The boda boda industry is more than a transport sector, it is a community touchpoint. Riders interact daily with women, children, and families across towns and rural villages. This makes them uniquely positioned to identify, prevent, and report instances of abuse,’ Kemei explained. She noted that empowering boda boda operators with knowledge on SGBV, human rights, and reporting channels was a strategic move to break the culture of silence and complicity adding that when riders become informed advocates, they not only protect their customers but also build trust within the communities they serve.

‘The boda boda sector has long been viewed both as an essential economic pillar and, at times, as a source of insecurity, with a few rogue operators being implicated in harassment or aiding perpetrators. This new initiative seeks to reverse that narrative by transforming riders into frontline defenders against gender-based violence,’ added Kemei.

Meanwhile, nominated member of county assembly Irene Langat echoed the call for active boda boda involvement, urging the sector to champion the safety of women and children insisting that building awareness among riders could deter potential abusers and encourage victims to come forward, especially in rural areas where boda bodas were often the first responders in emergencies. ‘The abuse of women and children cannot continue unchecked. Our boda boda brothers must rise to the occasion-not just as transporters, but as protectors. They can play a pivotal role in ensuring our roads and homes are safe,’ said Langat.