The Kenyan government has announced new measures aimed at regulating the activities of boda boda drivers, the country's popular motorcycle taxis, which are often at the center of incidents of violence and illegality. The initiative was announced at the end of a high-level meeting held on Thursday in Nairobi, which was attended by police officials and leaders of the National Boda Boda Association.
Convened by Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda, the meeting brought together key players in the sector to address growing concerns about the escalation of illegal behavior and acts of summary justice by some operators.
Among the decisions taken was the introduction of a distinctive uniform for each county, which, according to Seda, will ‘improve accountability’ and make it easier for the authorities and the public to identify drivers.
Another key measure is the requirement for all drivers to join savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs), with the aim of strengthening discipline, ensuring better regulation, and promoting financial responsibility within the sector.
The president of the Boda-Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), Kevin Mbadi, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a network of lawyers who will offer free legal assistance to drivers involved in traffic-related disputes.
“It is the job of the police to deal with crime scenes or accidents and ensure that matters are resolved peacefully. It is not up to the injured party to enforce the law,” Mbadi said, urging motorcyclists to avoid forms of private justice and let the legal system take its course.
Mbadi also highlighted the difficulties many motorcyclists face in accessing justice due to a lack of resources, accusing some police officers of mishandling complaints. The new protocol, he added, will guarantee pro bono legal assistance throughout the country.
He also warned against retaliation after accidents: “Those who take justice into their own hands,” Mbadi warned, “will be held personally responsible for their actions.”
For his part, Commander Seda reiterated the need for boda boda drivers to refrain from interfering with investigations in the event of accidents, warning that the police will take severe measures against any violations. “Law enforcement,” he said, “remains the prerogative of law enforcement and the competent authorities. Indiscipline will no longer be tolerated.”
The new provisions come at a time of growing public pressure, especially among motorists, for the government to take decisive action against abuses committed by some motorcyclists.
According to data provided by BAK, the sector now has about 1.6 million drivers in Kenya, of whom about 1.3 million are young people. It is one of the main sources of employment in the country, especially in an economic context marked by severe difficulties.