A fiery debate erupted after a prominent constitutional lawyer called for a total ban on Kenya’s boda boda sector, labeling it a national security threat. In a swift rebuttal, the Boda Boda Safety Association dismissed the proposal, accusing the lawyer of chasing public attention and being inconsistent in his stance.
The association emphasized that rather than resisting regulation, it has actively participated in policy discussions and supports a structured legal framework for the industry. The group maintained that the real issue lies in poor enforcement, not the existence of the sector itself.
The controversy stemmed from social media exchanges in which the lawyer described the association as a “dangerous cartel” and claimed that legislative efforts to regulate the industry would fail. He insisted that banning motorcycles used for public transport was the only viable solution to end the chaos, insecurity, and accidents on Kenyan roads.
The comments ignited widespread debate online. Some supported the idea, citing rising insecurity and lawlessness among some riders. Others criticized the stance, pointing out that the boda boda sector provides employment to hundreds of thousands and serves as a critical transport lifeline, especially in underserved rural and peri-urban areas.
The boda boda sector has grown rapidly, now transporting over 20 million passengers daily. However, the expansion has been marred by increasing road accidents, fatalities, and occasional criminal incidents. Despite these concerns, many believe that outlawing the sector would hurt livelihoods and create bigger socio-economic issues.
At the center of this debate is the proposed Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill No. 38 of 2023. If passed, it will introduce major changes, including limiting passenger numbers, enforcing helmet use, regulating cargo weights, and mandating SACCO registration and rider training.
While critics push for a total ban, stakeholders in the sector are urging for order not erasure. They argue that the solution lies in stronger regulation, better training, and consistent enforcement of existing laws rather than penalizing an entire industry.
As Parliament prepares for the bill’s second reading, the spotlight remains on whether effective regulation can tame the sector’s challenges or whether a more drastic approach is inevitable.
