Kwale Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) has raised concerns over a proposed bill aimed at regulating the motorbike sector, arguing that it could stifle their operations.
The region’s BAK chairperson Nehemiah Kinyua said the bill contains provisions that would negatively impact boda boda riders, including hefty fines and penalties.
Kinyua also criticized a clause that grants county governors the power to appoint boda boda chairpersons on behalf of the riders, saying it undermines their right to elect their own leaders.
The bill also proposes the establishment of a County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Board, which boda boda operators will be required to adhere to.
Additionally, it grants the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of transport the authority to regulate, manage, and coordinate all matters related to the boda boda sector at the county level.
The provision aims to streamline operations and enhance oversight, but boda boda operators argue that such regulations should be implemented in consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Kinyua further alleged that the regulations were formulated without consultation adding that the boda bodas only learned about the bill through the media.
“We want this bill to undergo thorough public participation. While I support efforts to regulate the sector, the introduction of new laws and fines without public input is unfair,” said Kinyua.
He warned that if the bill is passed in its current form, it could push many riders out of business, leading to increased unemployment and economic hardships for thousands of families that depend on the sector.
Kinyua called on policymakers to engage boda boda associations across the country to ensure that any new laws reflect the realities on the ground.
“We are not opposed to regulation, but it must be done in a way that considers the challenges we face daily,” he said.
Kinyua stressed that the voices of those directly affected by the policies must be heard before implementing the law.
He also argued that imposing huge fines on those found flouting the provisions of the Act is unreasonable, given the difficult economic situation currently facing the sector.
According to him, many boda boda operators are already struggling with high fuel prices, increased maintenance costs, and low earnings, making additional financial penalties burdensome.
He said if the government wants to streamline the sector, it should focus on policies that support boda boda operators rather than imposing punitive measures that will only make their lives harder.
The boda boda sector plays a crucial role in Kenya’s transport industry, providing jobs and convenient mobility, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
However, it has also faced criticism over issues such as road safety and crime, prompting authorities to push for stricter regulations.
Kinyua urged the government to strike a balance between enforcing order in the sector and protecting the livelihoods of boda boda operators.
The chairperson said that boda boda operators in Kwale are willing to collaborate with the government to enhance order and professionalism in the sector.
He said that they are ready to provide the necessary support and insights to help implement fair and effective regulations that will improve the industry while safeguarding their livelihoods.
Kinyua reiterated that boda boda operators are committed to ensuring the safety of both riders and passengers.
However, he emphasized that any regulations introduced must be fair, practical, and considerate of the challenges faced by those in the sector.
He urged the government to implement policies that promote safety without imposing excessive burdens on operators.
If the bill becomes law, riders will be prohibited from carrying more than one pillion passenger at a time and from transporting a pillion passenger alongside a load exceeding 50 kilograms.
