Kenya Moves to End Boda Boda Anarchy with Tough Accountability Rules

Kenya has introduced strict new regulations for boda boda riders, requiring fresh registration, uniforms, and stage accountability to curb rising lawlessness and criminal activities in the sector.

The Kenyan government has announced sweeping new regulations for the boda boda sector in a bid to restore order, improve safety, and curb rising criminal incidents linked to motorcycle taxi operators.

Under the new measures, every rider must undergo fresh registration and be formally attached to a designated operating stage. Each stage will be required to elect a chairman, who will be held directly accountable for the conduct of members. Authorities have warned that chairmen could face arrest if riders under their supervision are involved in criminal activity or mob justice.

In addition, riders will be issued with new registration numbers alongside their existing National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) plates. These identifiers will display the county, sub-county, and stage of operation, making it easier for law enforcement to trace offenders.

Uniforms will also become mandatory, with each sub-county assigned a distinct colour to differentiate riders from neighbouring areas. According to officials, this system will allow the tracing of motorbikes involved in offences across counties and sub-counties, tightening accountability within the sector.

To qualify for registration, boda boda riders will be required to present a valid motorcycle licence, insurance cover, a certificate of good conduct, and proof of ownership of at least two helmets. They must also join a recognised stage Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) as part of efforts to instil discipline and promote financial accountability.

Assistant Inspector General Fredrick Ochieng emphasised that the rules were non-negotiable, saying the reforms would prevent impunity and lawlessness from taking root. “Each county will have its own registration system, including sub-county and stage. This way, if a motorbike commits an offence in Mombasa, we can trace it back to Nairobi and to the exact stage,” he explained.

The measures follow mounting concerns over the involvement of boda boda riders in violent acts, including mob justice and attacks on motorists, as well as a wave of reports linking some groups to organised crime. In several cases, riders have torched vehicles following accidents, fuelling calls for long-term solutions.

Kevin Mubadi, President of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, welcomed the reforms, noting that indiscipline among a few had tarnished the reputation of the entire sector. “Registration begins today after mapping all stages. Those who do not register must leave the sector immediately. Chairmen will be held accountable if they cannot identify riders involved in incidents,” he said.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda echoed the government’s concerns, criticising the tendency of riders to mete out collective punishment. “How do you burn someone’s vehicle because one rider was hit? The law applies to individuals, not groups,” he remarked.

The boda boda industry, which provides livelihoods for millions of young Kenyans, has long been described as both an economic lifeline and a security headache. By tightening regulation, the government hopes to strike a balance between sustaining employment and curbing disorder. As one official put it: “Every ride must now carry responsibility, not chaos.”