Wetang’ula Reveals Way Forward for Motorcycle Regulation Bill Amid Public Backlash
The National Assembly is expected to begin the process of officially withdrawing the controversial Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill after it sparked widespread public concern.
On Wednesday, April 23, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula informed Members of Parliament that the Senate had formally asked the National Assembly to halt any further consideration of the proposed bill.
“I have received a formal letter from the Speaker of the Senate. The letter states that the senator who introduced the bill is requesting that it be withdrawn and that no further steps be taken regarding its progress,” said Wetang’ula while addressing Parliament.
The bill, introduced by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, aimed to create a legal framework for regulating boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operations at the county level.
Among the suggested measures were mandatory registration of all boda bodas with respective county governments, installation of tracking devices on motorcycles, and compulsory employment contracts for riders working under motorcycle owners.
One of the most controversial aspects of the bill was the tough penalties it proposed. For example, it included a Ksh20,000 fine for any motorcyclist found riding on pedestrian pathways.
Additionally, it suggested that boda boda riders involved in a conspiracy to harm someone could face a fine of up to Ksh100,000 or a jail term of up to one year.
Despite the growing resistance from boda boda associations and other concerned parties, the bill had already made it past its first reading in the National Assembly on February 13, 2025.
However, after mounting public criticism of some of its proposals, Senator Khalwale asked the Speaker of the Senate to officially request the bill’s withdrawal on his behalf.
“This is a unique situation, as this marks the first time that a request of this nature has been made in the legislative process involving both Houses of Parliament,” Wetang’ula observed.
He further explained that current laws do not clearly state whether a senator can withdraw a bill once it has entered the National Assembly for debate.
Because of this legal grey area, Wetang’ula relied on Standing Order 1—a provision that gives him the authority to guide the House on procedures not clearly outlined in the Constitution.
To proceed with the withdrawal, Wetang’ula directed that a new motion must be filed. This motion will need to be introduced and moved by the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, which had originally been tasked with reviewing the bill.
Once this motion is debated and approved, the bill will be officially removed from the National Assembly’s legislative agenda.
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