Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that City Hall is planning to introduce new directives, including distinctive reflector jackets and registration numbers for all boda boda riders in Nairobi.
Speaking at a Jukwaa la Usalama forum at the Kenya School of Government on October 2, Sakaja said that boda boda riders would register with different Saccos and wear reflector jackets with registration numbers and unique colours for each Sacco.
“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,” he said.
He added that the county is also planning to set a deadline for all boda boda riders to register in saccos.
He said that each Sacco will have a different colour, which will be displayed on the reflectors, and that the name of each rider's Sacco will be printed on their jacket.
Sakaja said that these measures are intended to enhance safety and order on the city's busy roads.
He added that unregulated operations had led to insecurity and frequent traffic law violations.
“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 added.
Traffic Congestion
Sakaja said that boda bodas should also follow traffic rules, including obeying traffic lights, to help maintain the smooth flow of traffic in the city.
Sakaja also proposed reforms in the matatu sector in a bid to reduce traffic congestion in the county.
He said that at least one matatu should operate in one lane at a time to ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth mobility across the city.
“Matatus should be required to operate at most two vehicles [in lanes at bus stages] at a time to ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth mobility across the city,” he said.
