Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has unveiled new measures aimed at regulating the boda boda sector in the capital. Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum at the Kenya School of Government on October 2, Sakaja announced that all boda boda riders in Nairobi will be required to register under saccos and wear reflector jackets with registration numbers.
The governor emphasized that each sacco will have a unique colour that will be displayed on riders’ reflector jackets, alongside the sacco’s name. This move, he explained, is designed to enhance accountability, improve passenger safety, and restore order on the city’s busy roads.
“The transport sector, especially the boda boda sector in Nairobi County, should be regulated. Riders must belong to registered saccos, wear reflector jackets with registration numbers, and ensure that traffic lights are obeyed,” Sakaja said.
He added that the county will soon set a deadline for all boda boda riders to complete their registration under saccos. According to Sakaja, the unregulated operations of boda bodas have contributed to insecurity, frequent traffic violations, and road chaos.
Addressing Traffic Congestion
Beyond the boda boda sector, the governor also touched on reforms within the matatu industry. He proposed that only one matatu should occupy a lane at a bus stage at any given time, with a maximum of two vehicles allowed in operation to help reduce congestion.
“We cannot compromise on road safety and order, especially as the city continues to grow. Proper regulation will not only improve safety for passengers but also bring sanity to our transport system,” he said.
The new reforms, if fully enforced, are expected to streamline Nairobi’s transport sector, reduce road accidents, and ease traffic congestion across the county.
