National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has firmly dismissed a proposed Bill by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale that seeks to introduce stricter regulations for boda boda operators across the country. Speaking on Saturday, Ichung’wah said the Bill, dubbed the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, is unlikely to pass in the National Assembly in its current form.
“I have told Senator Khalwale to take it back to his house; I don’t see it going anywhere,” Ichung’wah stated. He emphasized the need for inclusive lawmaking that involves the people most affected by the legislation in this case, boda boda operators. “We can work together and craft a law that is responsive to the problems that are there,” he added.
The proposed legislation has sparked widespread opposition from the boda boda community, which argues that the Bill is punitive and out of touch with the sector’s realities. During a recent appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) criticized the Bill as exploitative and detached from the daily struggles of operators.
The Bill proposes comprehensive reforms, including mandatory registration and training for all riders, the formation of a County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Board, and the requirement for all operators to join a SACCO. Training would cover essential areas such as road safety, rider etiquette, and emergency response protocols.
However, some of the proposed penalties have been deemed excessive by stakeholders. These include a Sh200,000 fine for riding on pedestrian walkways and a Sh100,000 fine or a one-year jail term for colluding to harm another person.
Ichung’wah’s remarks underscore the growing political tension around regulating the boda boda sector, a key player in Kenya’s informal economy. While acknowledging the sector’s challenges, the Majority Leader insisted on collaborative engagement to ensure any new legislation enhances safety and accountability without threatening livelihoods.
As the debate continues, pressure mounts on lawmakers to strike a balance between regulation and the economic role boda bodas play in supporting millions of Kenyan families.
