President William Ruto's Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Makau Mutua, has called for the complete removal of boda bodas from all major cities and towns across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 17, Mutua has described the presence of boda bodas in all major cities and towns as the main source of chaos within these cities.
He further alleged that these boda bodas destroy the aesthetics of the cities and towns, terming it necessary to have them removed.
''I am convinced that ALL boda boda should be banned from the streets of ALL Kenya’s major cities and towns. No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely Unacceptable,'' Mutua alleged.
Boda bodas are the most popular form of transport in the country, especially in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. They offer fast, affordable transport and are often the only option in congested or underserved areas.
However, they have numerously been linked to rising cases of road accidents, crime, and traffic violations.
Mutua's sentiments elicited a heated debate among a section of Kenyans. In response to his sentiments, some Kenyans agreed with the advisor's opinions while others strongly disagreed.
This is not the first time a senior leader has called for the regulation of boda bodas on the roads in the country. In May, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli made similar calls.
Speaking during the Labor Day celebrations, Atwoli called for the regulation of the boda bodas; however, his main focus was on Nairobi City, with an additional focus on hawkers and matatus.
According to Atwoli, boda bodas, matatus and hawkers in the city depicted the county and country at large as poor.
''This city must reflect other cities of the world like Accra, Abuja, Abidjan, and Kigali. We cannot remain in a filthy city, a city filled with hawkers, riders, and matatus. When somebody arrives at the JKIA airport on Mombasa Road is full of hawkers, depicting the picture of the poverty of Kenya," Atwoli said.
Meanwhile, boda bodas have remained a lifeline for many Kenyan youths who use it as a form of self-employment to earn an income.
