NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has unveiled a new set of regulations aimed at formalizing the boda-boda sector and significantly improving road safety across the country.
These new rules, developed in collaboration with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, are designed to bring order and accountability to an industry long characterized by informal operations and safety challenges.
Under the new framework, every rider will be assigned a unique registration number, which will serve to identify their specific county, sub-county, and designated stage of operation.
To be eligible for this registration, riders must meet several key requirements, including holding a valid boda-boda license, providing a certificate of good conduct, possessing insurance, and having two helmets for safety.
The regulations also mandate that all riders belong to a registered Sacco (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) and wear a uniform that is specific to their operational location.
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Furthermore, each stage is now required to appoint a chairman.
These chairmen will be held accountable if they are unable to identify riders involved in incidents, a measure intended to enforce greater responsibility within the sector.
The reforms are a direct response to a recognition that a segment of the riding population has engaged in problematic conduct.
The initial phase of the new process will involve mapping all stages across the country, creating a structured system that is expected to enhance public safety, boost accountability, and usher in a new era of professionalism for the sector.
