Every school day, the journey to class exposes thousands of children to unnecessary danger on our roads. In the absence of school transport, many parents rely on commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as boda-boda, to ferry their children to and from school.
While this practice eases mobility, the way it is carried out has become a serious child safety concern. What appears convenient is in reality a dangerous gamble with young lives.
It is not uncommon to see one motorcycle carrying four or five schoolchildren at a time—two squeezed in front of the rider and several more packed behind, clutching each other for balance. With none wearing helmets, the motorcycle ceases to be transport and becomes a rolling risk. A minor collision, sudden stop, or pothole can easily result in severe injury or loss of life.
Equally worrying is the apparent indifference of traffic officers. These violations occur openly, often within sight of law enforcement, yet action is rare. Their inaction reinforces the perception that some officers are more focused on extracting bribes than enforcing traffic laws meant to protect the most vulnerable.
This neglect emboldens riders to continue overloading, while parents, desperate for affordable transport, accept the risk. The cycle of convenience, corruption, and complacency must be broken.
Parents must reflect on their role and resist the temptation of quick fixes that endanger children. Convenience and cost cannot justify exposing them to life-threatening risks.
Riders, for their part, must understand that overloading motorcycles with children is reckless and irresponsible, regardless of financial pressure. They need sensitization and regulation; one child per trip should be the standard.
Traffic officers must return to their core duty: enforcing the law, not exploiting it. Government must step in with stronger policies, subsidized school buses, and awareness campaigns that prioritize child safety.
Communities and schools should explore alternatives such as regulated buses, community transport, or supervised walking groups.
The safety of our children cannot be compromised by corruption or convenience. Overloaded motorcycles are not just a traffic violation; they are a child safety crisis.
Prevention, enforcement, and investment in safer alternatives are the only way forward. Protecting children on their way to school is a moral and civic duty.