By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi Accra, Ghana for GhanaianNewsCanada 19/1/2026
In the rural landscapes of western Kenya, a remarkable group of women on motorcycles is helping overcome one of the biggest barriers to maternal health care: lack of transport.
Known as the Boda Girls, these female motorcycle riders are doing more than ferrying people—they are saving lives. Trained not only in riding but also in basic maternal health and patient care, many of the Boda Girls are nurses or community health workers. Their mission is simple but vital: provide free transport for pregnant women from hard-to-reach villages to health facilities for antenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, and safe deliveries.
Launched in 2022, the initiative operates across counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay, areas where long distances, poor roads, and the high cost of travel often prevent women from accessing essential care. According to Nancy Akeyo, CEO of Boda Girls Kenya, many expectant mothers are unable to make it to clinics due to transportation challenges—an issue that is frequently overlooked in discussions about improving women’s health and economic empowerment in rural communities.
For the women they serve, the presence of a female rider brings comfort and confidence at a tense time. Mothers like Maureen Achieng have expressed relief at being transported by women, saying it helps ease their worries and those of their families.
Health workers and development advocates note that access to timely transport is closely linked to maternal mortality rates. In Kenya, thousands of women and newborns die each year from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications, often because they cannot reach care quickly enough. The Boda Girls are helping change that reality one ride at a time.
Beyond just driving, the initiative mirrors wider efforts—such as those documented by local media—where “pink riders” navigate muddy roads and rugged terrain at all hours to ensure mothers reach clinics and hospitals when they need them most. These riders often go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, helping women access services like immunizations, family planning, and cervical cancer screenings.
While the Boda Girls are not a complete solution to Kenya’s maternal health challenges, for many families in remote areas, their trusted presence can make the difference between life and death. As they continue to expand their reach, these women are transforming both healthcare access and gender norms, proving that empowerment and compassion can go hand in hand on the road to better health.
