Ride Smart, Arrive Alive: MKU Alumni Directorate Empowers Bungoma Boda Boda Riders

Bungoma, Kenya – July 31, 2026

Mount Kenya University (MKU), through its Alumni Directorate, partnered with the Kenya Red Cross Society, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to conduct the Ride Smart, Arrive Alive community outreach initiative aimed at enhancing road safety among boda boda and tuk-tuk operators.

The training, held at the Kenya Red Cross Grounds in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, attracted more than 500 boda boda riders and 40 tuk-tuk operators from across the county. The outreach equipped participants with practical road safety knowledge, first aid skills, and financial management training to improve their livelihoods and enhance the safety of road users.

This initiative was supported by the University management led by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI and is part of the Mount Kenya University Alumni Directorate’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which focuses on empowering communities by providing practical solutions to challenges affecting society. Recognizing the vital role played by boda boda operators in transporting school children, students, workers, and other members of the public, the University sought to strengthen their capacity to operate safely and professionally.

Bungoma County has an estimated 56,000 boda boda riders spread across its 13 sub-counties, making the sector one of the county’s largest sources of employment and an essential component of the local transport network.

Speaking during the event, Virginia Kiunga, Director of Alumni Affairs at Mount Kenya University, commended the riders for turning up in large numbers and embracing the training. “Knowledge is power. Today, the riders have acquired valuable skills that will help them safeguard their own lives as well as those of their passengers. As a university, we appreciate the important role boda boda riders play in our communities. We also recognize that many of our alumni have invested in this sector. We encourage riders to pursue further education as a pathway to career growth, entrepreneurship, and greater opportunities,” she said.

Participants received both theoretical and practical training in three key areas:

Road Safety and Safe Riding Practices
Training focused on defensive riding techniques, traffic laws and regulations, proper use of helmets and reflective jackets, motorcycle maintenance, and general road safety. The sessions were facilitated by officers from NTSA, KeNHA, and the Bungoma Base Commander, Mr. Macharia.

Financial Management
Representatives from CIC Bank, Safaricom, KCB and Family Bank trained participants on budgeting, saving, managing daily income, accessing financial services and credit, and investing for long-term financial stability.

Basic First Aid
Facilitators from the Kenya Red Cross trained riders on scene safety, emergency assessment, bleeding control, wound management, fracture immobilization, CPR, choking response, management of road traffic injuries, and emergency referrals.

The Chairman of the Bungoma Boda Boda Association, Mr. Alex Kisuya, applauded the initiative, noting its positive impact on the riders. “It is very thoughtful of Mount Kenya University to consider the welfare of Bungoma boda boda riders. We sincerely appreciate the University for this initiative. The knowledge we have gained today will enable us to serve our customers better by putting their safety first.”

The event was also attended by officials of the Mount Kenya University Alumni Association led by its Chairman, Mr. Gikera Kahara, demonstrating the Association’s commitment to giving back to society through impactful community engagement.

The Alumni Directorate has continued to champion community-focused initiatives across the country. Earlier this year, the Directorate organized a dental medical camp in Kapenguria, donated sanitary towels to schoolgirls, and participated in several career guidance and mentorship programmes aimed at empowering young people.

Among its flagship initiatives is the Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni whose work has created significant positive social impact. The award offers up to USD 50,000 to support outstanding alumni-led community transformation projects. This program is supported by Prof. Gicharu Chairman BOD and founder of Mount Kenya University and the University management.

Through initiatives such as Ride Smart, Arrive Alive, Mount Kenya University continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating safer communities while empowering citizens with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that transform lives.

Mount Kenya University continues to Unlock Infinite Possibilities in academia, innovation, and community service.