Nairobi Hospital Trains Boda Boda Riders in Emergency Response Skills
Participants from the Boda Boda Riders Association, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Nairobi Area Traffic Commandant pose for the photo during the training held at The Nairobi Hospital.
Nairobi, March 13, 2026 — The Nairobi Hospital has completed the training and certification of more than 50 boda boda riders and officials in a Basic Emergency Course aimed at strengthening community response to road accidents. The participants were drawn from the Boda Boda Riders Association, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Nairobi Area Traffic Commandant.
The training, delivered in partnership with Cicely McDonnell College of Health Sciences, forms part of The Nairobi Hospital’s year-long celebrations marking its 70th anniversary.
The initiative seeks to address a critical gap in Kenya’s emergency response system by equipping boda boda riders who are often among the first to arrive at the scene of road accidents with essential lifesaving skills. The programme is expected to strengthen the country’s pre-hospital emergency care system and improve survival outcomes for accident victims.
During the course, participants were trained in key emergency response skills including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic first aid, bleeding control, safe patient handling, motorcycle safety principles, and emergency scene management.
The training also emphasized the need for prompt coordination with formal emergency medical services to ensure victims receive timely professional care.
Speaking during the certification ceremony, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer said empowering community first responders is vital in strengthening Kenya’s emergency care system.
He noted that boda boda riders are often the first people at accident scenes, adding that equipping them with basic lifesaving skills can significantly improve the chances of survival for victims while reinforcing the broader emergency response chain within communities.
The chairman of the Boda Boda Riders Association welcomed the initiative, saying the training equips riders with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to emergencies before professional medical teams arrive.
Kenya continues to face a high number of road traffic injuries each year, making community-based emergency response increasingly important in improving outcomes for accident victims.
The partnership between The Nairobi Hospital and the Cicely McDonnell College of Health Sciences highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing health education, strengthening emergency care capacity, and contributing to safer roads and healthier communities across the country.
