The government has appointed a 60-day task force to push reforms in the public service motorcycle transport sector, with a mandate to review the law, administration and safety standards that govern boda boda operations.
The Task Force on Policy, Legal and Administrative Reforms will be chaired by Julius Mathenge. Its work will cover governance in the sector, the existing policy framework, and data on safety, reliability, cost and other concerns affecting users.
The team is also expected to consult government agencies, motorcycle operators and other stakeholders before submitting recommendations. Those proposals will include an implementation plan for immediate, medium-term and long-term changes in the sector.
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said on Wednesday that all boda boda operators must undergo training, obtain certification and wear helmets before they begin operating. He said: “There will be no two ways about it. They too, have to follow the law.”
The formal document establishing the task force was signed at KICC, with Transport CS James Macharia present. Matiang’i also urged transport stakeholders to work with the government to enforce the public transport laws introduced on November 12.
He said the government would not ease up on enforcement of the Michuki Rules and added: “We want zero deaths starting this festival season.”
At the same forum, transport industry players raised concerns about unlicensed vehicles, unfair competition and corrupt police officers. The government said it had also launched an anonymous reporting system to help curb bribery involving traffic police officers.
Interior PS Karanja Kibicho said any unlawful conduct by police could be reported to the Internal Affairs Unit in Upper Hill through a toll-free number.
The reforms were announced in 2018 as the government stepped up pressure on public transport operators to comply with safety and licensing rules.
