President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Makau Mutua, has stirred controversy after urging the government to completely ban boda bodas from all major towns and cities in Kenya.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, July 17, Mutua said the widespread presence of boda bodas is responsible for much of the disorder witnessed in urban areas. According to him, these motorcycles have turned cities into chaotic zones, harming both their appearance and order.
“I strongly believe that all boda bodas should be completely removed from the streets of Kenya’s major cities and towns. No modern or progressive city should allow this level of disorder, lawlessness, poor visual appeal, and indiscipline on the roads. It is completely unacceptable,” Mutua stated.
Boda bodas, however, are the most widely used form of transportation in the country. In cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, they offer fast, convenient, and affordable travel—especially in areas with heavy traffic or where public transport is limited. They are also a critical source of income and employment for thousands of young people across Kenya.
Despite their benefits, boda bodas have faced growing criticism over the years. They have often been associated with increasing traffic violations, frequent accidents, and sometimes, even involvement in criminal activities. These concerns have led to repeated calls for better regulation or outright removal.
Mutua’s remarks have sparked intense debate among Kenyans on social media and in public discussions. While some people agree with his stance and say the roads need order, others have opposed the idea, pointing out the role boda bodas play in supporting families and boosting the economy.
This is not the first time a high-ranking leader has criticized boda bodas. Earlier in May, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, made similar comments. Speaking during Labour Day celebrations, Atwoli pushed for stricter regulation of boda bodas, particularly in Nairobi.
Atwoli argued that the presence of boda bodas, alongside hawkers and matatus, paints a picture of poverty and disorganization in the capital. “This city must start to resemble modern cities like Accra, Abuja, Abidjan, and Kigali. We cannot continue living in a filthy city crowded with boda boda riders, hawkers, and matatus. When visitors land at JKIA and drive down Mombasa Road, they immediately get the impression that Kenya is a poor country,” he said.
Still, for many young Kenyans, operating a boda boda remains one of the few accessible ways to earn a living. The business has become a backbone for self-employment, especially in areas with high youth unemployment. For them, banning boda bodas outright could mean losing their only source of income.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will take action or seek a more balanced approach that maintains order on the roads without hurting livelihoods.
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