President William Ruto has ordered the release of more than 9,000 boda bodas that have been held at police stations without criminal cases.
Speaking during a meeting with boda boda operators on Thursday, August 7, the President said that the Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja should ensure that the boda bodas are released within the next seven days.
According to the Head of State, the move will be vital in promoting the boda boda sector, which he asserted has played a key role in the country's economic growth.
"[I] Met Boda Boda officials from all sub-counties [at] State House, Nairobi. I gave amnesty to owners of motorcycles that have been detained at police stations and are not linked to criminal cases," Ruto stated.
"Asked the Ministry of Interior to work with the Inspector-General of Police to have the motorcycles released in the next one week," he added.
According to the president, the government will also work to create a new law that will encourage self-regulation in the sector, where riders can govern themselves through associations or saccos.
"Boda Boda operators are legitimate entrepreneurs whose businesses must be supported. We will work with all stakeholders to enact a law that embraces self-regulation that will help spur the sector’s growth," Ruto stated.
The announcement by Ruto comes two weeks after Parliament said that it will proceed with the Public Transport Motorcycle Regulation Bill, 2025, which focuses on regulating the boda boda sector.
The bill, which was sponsored by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, aims to introduce new regulations for the registration, operation, and safety of boda boda operators at the county level. Khalwale had requested to withdraw the bill; however, members of parliament declined.
If adopted, the new law will see the establishment of a County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Board, which will be responsible for the registration, training, and operations of boda boda operators.
Under the law, it will be mandatory for all boda boda operators in the country to join a SACCO and undergo training, which will encompass the Public Transport Motorcycle Regulation Bill, 2025.
The bill also proposed hefty fines, including a Ksh20,000 penalty for any boda boda rider caught riding on pedestrian walkways and a Ksh100,000 fine or a one-year prison sentence for boda boda riders who collude with others to harm someone.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 22, parliament stated that it will establish public participation forums, which will ensure that all boda boda stakeholders thoroughly scrutinize it and propose amendments.
"In a letter dated March 7, 2025, the Senate Speaker relayed Khalwale's request to withdraw the Bill, citing public outcry. Despite this appeal, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, ruled that the consideration of the Bill would proceed after a majority vote rejected the withdrawal request," the bill stated.
