In western Kenya, a pioneering group of female motorcycle riders, known as the Boda Girls, is playing a crucial role in improving maternal health care in rural areas. Trained in both motorcycle riding and basic maternal health, these women, many of whom are nurses or community health workers, provide free transportation to pregnant women, enabling them to access essential medical care.
The initiative, launched in 2022, operates in Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay counties, where geographical barriers and high transportation costs often hinder women’s access to timely medical attention. According to Nancy Akeyo, CEO of Boda Girls Kenya, the lack of transportation is a significant obstacle to women’s health and economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities where clinic access is limited.
For expectant mothers, the presence of a female rider provides an added sense of comfort and security. Maureen Achieng, a mother from the region, prefers being transported to the hospital by a woman, citing that both she and her family feel more confident with a female rider than a male motorcyclist.
Healthcare workers emphasize that the absence of safe and timely transportation is closely linked to maternal deaths. Some women, they report, die due to delayed access to medical care. According to UNICEF, approximately 5,000 women and 30,000 newborns die annually in Kenya from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Initiatives like the Boda Girls are addressing this critical issue, providing a lifeline to women in need. While they are not a comprehensive solution, for the women who rely on them, a trusted rider arriving at the right moment can be the difference between life and death. By bridging the transportation gap, the Boda Girls are helping to reduce maternal mortality rates and promote better health outcomes for mothers and newborns in rural Kenya. As the initiative continues to expand, it is likely to have a positive impact on the lives of many women and families in the region.
