Law scholar Makau Mutua has called for a total ban on boda bodas from the streets of all major cities and towns across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, July 17, Mutua stated that motorcycles should have no place in modern urban settings due to the chaos they bring.
"I'm 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 said.
This comes months after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who serves as the Patron of the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya, addressed the rising criminal activities within the sector.
Read More
Speaking on March 17, the former governor issued a warning to cartels and rogue operators who have infiltrated the industry.
“To the cartels and criminals who have infiltrated the boda boda industry and engaged in criminal activities, be aware that we shall come for you. We won’t allow a few criminals to tarnish the name of this good industry,” he warned.
Sonko further pledged to implement measures aimed at restoring order and professionalism within the sector.
“I shall be dedicated to restoring order and sanity within this sector. Under my leadership, I assure the people of Kenya a strong, disciplined, and professional approach to service delivery in this important transport industry," he added.
According to a 2020 report, the boda boda sector supports approximately 5 million Kenyans, contributing over Ksh357 billion annually.
Each day, boda boda riders earn roughly Ksh700–1,200, with bike owners potentially making Ksh26,400 per month, which is about Ksh316,000 per year.
With over 1 million direct riders active in the country, the wider economy also benefits through fuel taxes, estimated to be around Ksh60 billion annually, along with revenue from license fees.
However, road accidents and fatalities remain a critical concern; motorcycle crashes account for roughly 35–40% of traffic deaths.
For instance, in 2023 alone, over 1,133 riders died. Helmet usage is still low, with about 63% of riders and only around 15% of passengers complying.
