The government has unveiled new measures to rein in rogue boda boda riders after a high-level meeting between senior police chiefs and the leadership of the National Boda Boda Association in Nairobi on Thursday.
The meeting, convened by Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda, brought together key stakeholders to address the growing concerns over rising lawlessness and mob justice linked to boda boda operators.
Among the proposals adopted is the introduction of a county-specific uniform for boda boda riders. According to Seda, the uniform will enhance accountability and allow authorities and the public to easily identify riders within their jurisdictions.
The meeting also agreed that all boda boda riders will now be required to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), a move aimed at instilling discipline, enhancing regulation, and improving financial responsibility in the sector.
Boda-Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) chairperson Kevin Mbadi announced that the association had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a network of lawyers who will offer free legal services to aggrieved riders in road-related cases.
“It is the work of the police to process an accident or crime scene and ensure that matters are addressed amicably. It is not the work of an aggrieved party to enforce justice,” Mbadi stated, urging riders to allow due process to take its course.
He further noted that many riders often face challenges in accessing justice due to a lack of resources, with some police officers allegedly dismissing or mishandling their cases. Through the MoU, pro bono legal aid will now be available countrywide.
Mbadi also warned riders against mob justice and retaliatory attacks following accidents, stressing that those who take the law into their own hands will be held personally liable.
On his part, Commander Seda reiterated that boda boda riders must stop interfering with traffic accident investigations, warning that police would not hesitate to take action against offenders.
He emphasised that law enforcement remains the responsibility of the police and other mandated agencies and cautioned riders that indiscipline within the sector would no longer be tolerated.
The developments come at a time when Kenyans, particularly motorists, have been calling on the government to rein in rogue boda boda riders, some of whom have increasingly taken the law into their own hands.
According to the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), the sector currently supports about 1.6 million riders, including nearly 1.3 million young people. It remains one of the country’s largest sources of employment, providing livelihoods amid tough economic conditions.
