The Progressive Welfare Association of Malindi (PWAM), led by chairperson Katherine Muthuka, has petitioned the Senate to establish regulatory frameworks for quad-bike tourism, emphasizing the need for clear rules to ensure responsible growth. The organization highlights that the activity, while creating tourism and employment opportunities, occurs in a shared public space used by tourists, pedestrians, swimmers, and other beachgoers, necessitating safeguards to prevent harm to people and the environment.
Muthuka warned that the absence of standardized operating procedures, designated areas, and safety measures could expose tourists, operators, and the public to avoidable risks. She stressed that the coastal sand dunes, a sensitive ecological asset, face degradation without intervention, which could undermine the region’s tourism appeal. PWAM has previously engaged the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to address licensing, safety, and environmental protection concerns.
The petition calls on the Senate’s Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism to clarify the regulatory status of quad-bike operators, seek TRA’s guidelines, and mandate NEMA to assess environmental impacts. It also demands designated operating zones, separation of motorized activities from pedestrians, and requirements for safety protocols, insurance, and emergency response. Muthuka emphasized that proactive regulation would balance tourism growth with public safety, community access, and environmental preservation.
The organization advocates for community involvement in tourism management and a framework that fosters innovation and employment while protecting the dunes. Muthuka stated that effective oversight is critical to ensuring Kenya benefits from the emerging tourism sector without compromising natural resources or public welfare.