Kenya's Boda Boda Industry Faces Major Overhaul Under New Senate Bill

The Kenyan Senate has passed a landmark Bill designed to overhaul the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) industry, introducing stringent regulations to enhance safety, accountability, and professionalism.

The legislation, championed by Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, now awaits concurrence in the National Assembly. The proposed law mandates comprehensive registration and operational requirements for all boda boda riders at the county level. A key feature is the cross-county recognition of registration, streamlining operations for riders working across different regions. All riders will be required to undergo rigorous training programs covering safe and defensive riding techniques, traffic laws, customer care, emergency response, basic motorcycle maintenance, and security awareness.

Motorcycle owners will be prohibited from allowing anyone to use their boda boda for commercial purposes without a valid driving license or provisional license, alongside an employment contract. Riders must strictly adhere to traffic regulations, including avoiding unauthorized parking. Penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to Sh20,000 or six months in jail, or both, for riding on pavements or against traffic. Riders engaging in intimidating or threatening behavior in groups face fines of up to Sh100,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both.

The bill also stipulates that riders found carrying passengers intending to commit offenses will be held accountable for any resulting crimes. In terms of safety, the Bill mandates that each rider must possess two Kenya Bureau of Standards-approved helmets and two reflective jackets, maintained in clean and wearable condition. Only one passenger is permitted at a time, and they must be seated properly with secured footrests. Headlights are required to remain on during travel. Children under nine years old may be carried between an adult and the rider, provided they wear a helmet.

Load carriage is limited to a maximum of 50 kilograms, with dimensional restrictions for load projections. To ensure the implementation and enforcement of these regulations, the Bill proposes the establishment of a County Transport and Safety Board. This board will also set regulations for the use of motorcycle ambulances and ensure compliance. The bill reflects the government's attempt to address the challenges within the boda boda sector, aiming to improve safety, professionalism, and accountability.