COUNTY POLYTECHNICS SET TO OFFER DRIVING LESSONS

Three County Polytechnics in Kakamega will soon receive accreditation as training centres for motorcycle riders and motorists.

This was revealed by the County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo when she hosted Western Region Manager for National Transport and Safety Authority Act (NTSA) Wilson Sankei at the County Headquarters, Thursday.

The County Secretary explained that the idea was mooted during a public participation exercise held in Butere Sub-County in the presence of H.E the Governor Dr. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya where residents requested that a driving school be set up at Butere to train Bodaboda riders on road safety.

“The residents needs through a public participation forum informed this idea; since then we have sustained meetings and partnership engagement opportunities with senior officers from NTSA on the possibility of having training centres not just in Butere alone in the South but also Central and Northern regions too,” she said adding that the Department of Education has identified Kakamega and Nzoia County Polytechnics as the other two centers in the Central and Northern regions respectively, that will be licenced to offer driving courses.

According to a recent survey conducted by the County Government of Kakamega, most of the Bodaboda riders by mid-2021 were unlicensed.

Madam Jacinta called on all stakeholders to sensitize the riders, other road users and members of the public on road safety and expressed optimism that once the Programme is rolled out, road carnages will be reduced within Kakamega County.

“This training will not only benefit students in the County Polytechnics but also members of the public, those willing to enrol for driving lessons,” she noted and implored on youths to register at the three institutions once the training commences.

Chief Officer for Education, Science and Technology Dr. Irene Ashioya said in addition to the driving lessons, County Polytechnics will soon make use of non-functional Government vehicles and other machines as training materials for learners in the institutions.

Mr. Wilson Sankei disclosed that NTSA is targeting to roll out the Programme in other counties adding that Kakamega has well laid down structures and systems and good road network, a factor that made it possible for the body to partner with Kakamega County leveraging on an already signed memorandum of understanding by the two parties; the ‘Usalama Barabarani MoU.’ The trainees, he said, will be licensed after successfully completing their driving lessons.

In attendance were Sub-County Administrator of Butere Madam Joyce Wafukho and Mr. Geoffrey Otieno the Principal Butere County Polytechnic.