The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kenya’s boda boda industry will undergo sweeping reforms as the government moves to restore order and curb rising lawlessness in the sector.
Under the new regulations, riders will be required to undergo fresh registration, which will capture their designated stage and area of operation. They will also wear uniforms in distinct colours unique to their sub-counties, making it easier to identify operators across the country.
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Every boda boda stage must now have a chairman, who will be held responsible if crimes or unlawful acts involving riders in their jurisdiction occur. Authorities say the move follows a surge in incidents where riders have torched vehicles after accidents and been linked to criminal activity.
The rules, developed in partnership with the Boda Boda Association of Kenya, require riders to belong to a registered group or SACCO, obtain a valid operating license, provide a certificate of good conduct, have insurance, and own two helmets.
Officials say the new registration will assign riders an additional code — alongside the NTSA plate — showing their county, sub-county, and stage of operation.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda cautioned riders against unlawful solidarity: “Law is for individuals. You cannot burn someone’s car because one rider was hit.”
Boda Boda Safety Association president Kevin Mubadi said registration begins immediately and warned:
“If you don’t register, you cannot operate. Chairmen will be held accountable if they fail to identify offenders in their area.”
Police commander Fredrick Ochieng added that the changes will enhance accountability:
“If a motorbike commits an offence in Mombasa, we will know whether it came from Nairobi and the exact stage it belongs to.”
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns about boda boda riders being involved in crime, gang activities, and violent retaliations on roads.
