Boda Boda Riders Trained on Life-Saving Emergency Skills
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, 13 March 2026 – The Nairobi Hospital has trained and certified more than 50 boda boda riders and officials in a basic emergency response course aimed at improving road accident survival rates.
The participants were drawn from the boda boda riders association, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Nairobi Area Traffic Commandant. The training was delivered in partnership with the Cicely McDonnell College of Health Sciences.
The emergency course forms part of the hospital’s year-long 70th anniversary celebrations. The initiative seeks to bridge a critical gap in Kenya’s emergency response system by equipping boda boda riders with basic lifesaving skills.
Boda boda riders are often among the first people to arrive at road accident scenes. Training them in emergency response helps strengthen Kenya’s pre-hospital care system and improves survival chances for victims.
During the programme, participants learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic first aid, bleeding control, safe patient handling, motorcycle safety principles and emergency scene management. The course also highlighted the importance of coordinating quickly with formal emergency medical services so victims can receive professional care in time.
Speaking during the certification ceremony, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer said empowering community first responders is key to improving emergency care.
“Boda boda riders are often the first people on the ground when road traffic accidents occur. By equipping them with basic lifesaving skills, we are improving survival chances for victims and strengthening the emergency response chain in our communities,” the CEO said.
The official added that as the hospital marks 70 years of service, it remains committed to initiatives that promote safer and healthier communities.
The chairman of the boda boda riders association welcomed the programme, saying the training will help riders respond better during emergencies.
“Boda boda riders interact with the public every day and are frequently present when accidents happen. This training equips our members with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately before professional medical teams arrive,” he said.
Kenya continues to record a high number of road traffic injuries every year. Experts say strengthening community-based first response is an important step toward improving emergency care outcomes.
The partnership between The Nairobi Hospital and the Cicely McDonnell College of Health Sciences reflects a growing effort to expand health education, build emergency care capacity and promote safer roads across the country.
