A powerful new voice has entered the long-standing debate surrounding Kenya's ubiquitous boda boda sector, and it's sending shockwaves. Professor Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, has publicly called for an outright ban on boda bodas from all major cities and towns across the country. His provocative stance, shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, has immediately polarized public opinion, pitting concerns about urban order against the economic realities of thousands of livelihoods.
In his assertive social media post, Mutua unequivocally described boda bodas as "chaos" and "illegality," arguing that their presence is incompatible with modern urban environments. "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,” he declared.
These strong comments have predictably split Kenyans. On one side, many citizens echo Mutua's sentiments, agreeing that the proliferation of motorcycle taxis contributes significantly to traffic disorder, noise pollution, and a worrying surge in road accidents. On the other, a vocal opposition argues passionately that an outright ban would be catastrophic, stripping thousands of riders and their families of their primary source of income in an already struggling economy.
The idea of restricting or banning boda bodas from urban centers is not new to Kenya. Nairobi, in particular, has seen past attempts by former governors Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko to prohibit motorcycles from the central business district. However, these efforts ultimately failed, highlighting the deep entrenchment of the sector in urban transport.
Despite the safety concerns, boda bodas remain an indispensable lifeline for millions across Kenya. They offer an affordable and often rapid mode of transport, navigating congested city streets and reaching remote areas inaccessible by larger vehicles. Crucially, the industry is a massive job creator, employing a vast number of young people in a country battling high unemployment rates.
Yet, safety statistics continue to fuel the conversation around regulation. Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) paints a grim picture: in just the last three months of 2024, nearly 800 people, including riders, passengers, and pedestrians, tragically lost their lives in boda boda-related accidents. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Recognizing the sector’s immense economic importance, authorities have largely shied away from implementing outright bans. Instead, the focus has shifted towards tougher regulatory frameworks. Parliament, for instance, is actively pushing for measures that include mandatory training, proper licensing, and the designation of specific routes for boda bodas. Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to modernize the industry through the introduction of electric motorcycles, a move supported by the UN Environment Programme, aimed at reducing emissions and simultaneously improving overall safety standards.
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