Makueni partners with women engaged in development to train boda operators on maternal health

Makueni Bodaboda Chairman receives a certificate of recognition as an Okoa Mama Initiative Champion from Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, flanked by Women Engaged in Development Executive Director, Prof. Ann Kihara, on Wednesday.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday joined Prof.Ann Kihara, Executive Director for Women Engaged in development to roll out an innovative program targeting bodaboda operators as key players in maternal healthcare under the Okoa na Mtoto Initiative.

The launch, held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, brought together bodaboda representatives who were trained as trainers of trainers on maternal, newborn, and adolescent health.

Makueni Bodaboda Chairman receives a certificate of recognition as an Okoa Mama Initiative Champion from Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday.

They will cascade this knowledge to their peers across the county to ensure safer pregnancies and deliveries.

Prof. Ann Kihara noted that expectant women in rural areas often rely on bodabodas as the most accessible and affordable means of transport during emergencies.

She emphasized that training riders would strengthen their role in supporting timely maternal healthcare.

A section of the bodaboda leadership from across Makueni County at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Wednesday.

Her programme aims to, within two years, cut maternal deaths reported in health facilities by 30 percent, achieve 80 percent timely emergency transfers, and enroll at least 40 percent of active riders into an accredited emergency transport network.

A section of the bodaboda leadership from across Makueni County poses with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Wednesday.

Governor Mutula urged bodaboda leaders to sensitize their members, stressing that their involvement is vital in reducing preventable maternal and child mortality in Makueni.