Special Economic Zones Chairperson, Fred Muteti ( in White), poses for a photo with Bodaboda riders in Wote Town after donating helmets to them. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
Special Economic Zones Chairperson, Fred Muteti, popularly known as Muteti wa Muteti, has set a new standard for leadership in Wote township after holding a consultative meeting with the Boda Boda sector leadership.
The meeting, held with sector officials and riders, focused on elevating the profile of the motorcycle transport industry through empowerment, structured support, and unity for sustainable ventures—departing from what Muteti described as “the empty rhetoric of fueling bikes for demonstrations.”
Acknowledging the crucial role the Boda Boda industry plays in the local economy, Muteti emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize the safety and welfare of riders. He donated helmets to the riders to promote road safety, noting the rising cases of motorcycle accidents.
“One of the issues we discussed today is safety. Many accidents are caused by poor roads, lack of training, and poor visibility. However, we agreed that riders must always follow traffic rules, work cordially with the police, and most importantly, wear helmets,” said Muteti.
He further challenged leaders at both county and national levels to invest in helmet provision instead of the symbolic reflector jackets often handed out by politicians.
“A good helmet costs about Ksh 1,500, which many riders cannot afford. Politicians must stop deceiving our riders with reflector jackets. If you want to be allowed to campaign in Wote, bring helmets, not reflectors. If you want them in demonstrations, pay them decently—at least Ksh 5,000. This misuse of our youth must end,” Muteti declared.
The initiative follows Muteti’s ongoing youth empowerment efforts, including a pool table tournament currently running in different wards.
Boda Boda leaders and riders hailed Muteti’s gesture, saying it marked a turning point for the sector.
“We are very grateful to Muteti because he has done what no other politician has ever done—give us helmets. He has shown real concern for our safety. I urge other leaders to emulate this,” said Albanus Mutisya, Boda Boda Chair.
Sector Secretary Dominic Mbithi echoed the sentiment, stating: “Muteti has raised our bargaining power. From today, no politician will come here to incite us with reflector jackets and Ksh 200. We will ask them if they have helmets that can protect us instead.”
Long-serving rider and Sacco Chair James Sammy underscored the importance of Muteti’s recognition: “Since we started our Sacco in 2015, Fred Muteti is the first local leader to support us. Others only use us for demonstrations but never help us. I urge my fellow riders to wear these helmets daily.”
The riders further called for more structured support to unlock the full potential of the sector, which they believe is critical in combating unemployment and driving Wote’s economic growth.
