Boda boda riders from across Kenya are gearing up for massive nationwide demonstrations if the government proceeds with plans to pass a controversial motorcycle regulation bill currently being debated in Parliament.
Representatives from the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, who appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, voiced strong opposition to the proposed law. They labeled the bill as not only backward but also harsh and unfair to the thousands of riders who rely on motorcycle transport for their daily income.
In their official submission to the committee, the riders described the bill as deeply flawed, excessively bureaucratic, and financially impractical.
They argued that it overlaps with the existing role of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), goes against the constitutional powers of county governments, and opens the door for political interference in a sector that has become a key pillar in Kenya’s economy.
Among the most contentious provisions in the bill is the proposal to set up 47 new Motorcycle Transport and Safety Boards—one for each county—as well as a requirement that all boda boda riders must join a registered SACCO.
The association argues that these requirements will not only increase operational expenses for riders but could also create new opportunities for corruption and mismanagement in a sector already grappling with multiple challenges.
“The bill feels like a solution in search of a problem,” said one of the association’s leaders. They warned that passing it into law could drive up the cost of doing business, confuse regulatory responsibilities, and ultimately harm the livelihoods of thousands of boda boda riders and their families.
Despite the pushback, several members of the committee expressed support for the bill but advised the riders to engage constructively by proposing amendments instead of rejecting it outright.
“You’re in a good position to influence the direction of the law. Don’t throw the whole thing out—suggest improvements,” said Bureti MP Komingoi Kibet.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri echoed similar sentiments, stating that instead of creating new systems, the government should focus on empowering and improving already existing institutions like the NTSA.
The debate also touched on growing public safety concerns. Legislators including MPs Abdi Saney and Hussein Weytan pointed out that motorcycles are increasingly being used in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and violent assaults on civilians.
To address these concerns, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police recommended the formation of a multi-agency task force. This body would bring together the NTSA, police, Council of Governors, and representatives from the boda boda sector to collaborate on better planning, regulation, and enforcement.
With tensions rising and the bill still under discussion, the next steps by Parliament will be closely watched. The boda boda sector has become a lifeline for millions of Kenyans, and any regulation affecting it is bound to spark strong reactions—both on the streets and in the halls of power.
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