Dongo Kundu Completion Boost to Local Economy – Foundation
The completion of Dongo Kundu by pass has boosted the economic empowerment of boda boda operators.
Tayari Foundation patron Benjamin Tayari said the economic empowerment of the operators will improve once the bypass and highway is officially commissioned.
He added that he expects the operators to benefit upon the official opening for use of the 17.4 kilometer bypass and highway built through a sh 40 billion loan from Japan with support from the government.
‘’It will open economic transactions between Kwale and Mombasa counties,” he pointed out.
Tayari said despite the bypass being not yet officially opened for use there is already a flow of traffic along the highway.
He was speaking to almost 100 boda boda operators along the bypass when he distributed safety gear during a ceremony held at a local police station at Tsunza area in Kwale county.
The foundation patron told the operators the government won’t allow them to operate without safety gear.
Tayari, who is also Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Board Chairman, said the bypass connects Mombasa Island to Kwale without using the Likoni channel.
He added the operators will record massive business as they will be busy ferrying passengers along the bypass.
“The reason I have equipped you with the safety gear is that there will be a lot of traffic flow along the bypass,” he said.
The foundation patron defended his action saying it is part and parcel of safety measures at the facility which is already open to the public before President William Ruto commissions its official opening.
Kwale nominated member of county assembly (MCA) Ndegwa Munga has asked the operators to work in collaboration with the security apparatus along 17.4 kilometer bypass.
He argued the local security apparatus will guide them on how to operate along the bypass.
“Without a good working relationship with the security personnel you will be doing zero work along the bypass,” he warned.
The nominated MCA said there is no short cut for the operators but to work with the security personnel to ensure security is upheld and maintained across the bypass and the surrounding area.
Munga has called for unity among the operators in the area saying he will organize a forum for economic empowerment and to chart the way forward.
The local Officer Commanding Station [OCS] in charge Josphat Kyangu urged the operators to abide by traffic rules along the bypass.
He further urged them to abide by the traffic rules they were taught at their respective driving schools before they obtained their driving licenses.
“Obey traffic road signs along the bypass to avert unnecessary road accidents,” he pointed out.
The local police officer called on them to abide by the code of discipline and respect among the operators and warned they will crackdown on operators without number plates.
Kyangu cautioned them to ensure they wear helmets and reflectors given to them by well wishers.
He said when things get worse they will be arraigned before the courts of justice for failing to abide by the traffic rules.
“It is not our intention to take anyone to the courts but you must abide by the traffic rules,” he said.
The local OCS asked them to ensure their boda bodas are insured and warned them they will not compromise saying insurance cover is one of the required safety measures among road operators.
Kyangu refuted claims that the police officers are at war with boda boda operators.
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