Boda Boda Riders Threaten Nationwide Protests Over Proposed Motorcycle Regulation Bill
Boda boda riders across Kenya have issued a stern warning of mass demonstrations.
Should Parliament proceed with the enactment of the proposed Motorcycle Regulation Bill,which they have termed as “retrogressive, punitive, and disconnected from realities on the ground.”
The uproar emerged during a heated session before the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.
Representatives from the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) passionately criticized the bill’s contents.
And its potential to devastate the informal sector that employs over 2.5 million Kenyans.
What the Bill Proposes
The Motorcycle Regulation Bill seeks to introduce a raft of new measures aimed at improving road safety.
And streamlining the boda boda industry. Some of the controversial proposals include:
Mandatory re-registration of all commercial motorcycles every two years.
Increased penalties for traffic violations, including imprisonment of up to six months for riders found operating without a valid PSV license.
Introduction of annual training and certification for boda boda riders.
Designation of operation zones, barring riders from certain urban areas unless granted special licenses.
Standardized uniforms and tracking devices for all commercial riders.
A proposal to make it illegal for motorcycles to carry more than one passenger, regardless of emergency or rural transport needs.
Why Boda Boda Riders Are Opposed
Led by their national chairperson, Kevin Mubadi, BAK claimed that the proposed regulations are “crafted without proper public participation” and could render thousands jobless.
Mubadi argued that while regulation is necessary, the bill fails to address the core challenges riders face, such as police harassment, inadequate training, and poor road infrastructure.
“This bill punishes the hustler. It assumes we are all criminals and ignores the fact that boda bodas are an essential means of transport, especially in rural and informal settlements,” said Mubadi.
The association also took issue with the financial implications of the bill, including the cost of re-registration and GPS devices.
And mandatory annual training expenses, they argue, are unaffordable for the average rider who earns a modest daily income.
Economic and Social Impact
The boda boda industry contributes over KES 200 billion to Kenya’s economy annually.
Additionally, it remains a critical source of income for millions of youths, many of whom lack formal employment.
It also serves as a lifeline in areas with poor transport networks, often providing the only feasible means for accessing markets, schools, and health services.
Economists and transport experts have warned that overly restrictive legislation could have far-reaching implications.
Including a rise in unemployment and an increased cost of mobility for ordinary Kenyans.
What Riders Want Instead
BAK has proposed the following alternative measures:
Government-subsidized training programs in partnership with NTSA and TVET institutions.
Establishment of a Boda Boda Regulation Board composed of rider representatives.
Review of existing traffic enforcement to reduce harassment and extortion by rogue officers.
A structured rider savings and insurance scheme to improve welfare and road discipline.
The association emphasized that any reforms must be people-centered and consultative, ensuring that riders are part of the decision-making process.
Government’s Response So Far
Members of the Parliamentary Committee promised to review the contentious clauses.
But maintained that regulation is inevitable given the increasing road accidents and crime associated with unregulated motorcycle operations.
“We are not against boda boda riders. We want to restore order and reduce the loss of lives. But we will engage more stakeholders before moving forward,” said Committee Chairperson David Pkosing.
The committee is expected to compile a report after a series of public hearings across counties.
Meanwhile, BAK has issued a 14-day ultimatum for Parliament to shelve the bill or face what they termed as “the largest coordinated protest in Kenya’s informal transport history.”
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