The boda boda sector is once again in the spotlight with Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja issuing a stern warning to operators in the capital. Sakaja warned operator in the industry that those who continue to flout traffic rules and operate outside the law risk losing their licenses. During the Jukwaa la Usalama Nairobi Edition at the Kenya School of Government on Thursday, October 2, the governor stated that the county would no longer tolerate disorder in the transport sector. What rules must boda boda riders follow in Nairobi? He said all boda boda riders must operate under registered saccos, wear reflector jackets displaying registration numbers, and strictly observe traffic lights.
“The transport sector, especially the boda boda sector in Nairobi County, should be regulated. Riders must belong to registered saccos, wear reflector jackets with registration numbers, and ensure that traffic lights are obeyed,” Sakaja said. Sakaja stressed that the measures were not meant to punish operators but to restore sanity and safety on Nairobi’s busy roads. He linked unregulated operations to insecurity, accidents, and repeated traffic violations that have strained enforcement agencies. “We cannot compromise on road safety and order, especially as the city continues to grow. Proper regulation will not only improve safety for passengers but also bring sanity to our transport system,” he said.
How will traffic rules be enforced in Nairobi? Sakaja dismissed excuses often given by some riders, including claims of police harassment or interference by criminal cartels. The first-term governor further argued that such claims cannot justify reckless behaviour on the roads. “That issue of the police, or claims that some cartel takes motorcycle keys, is not an excuse to ride on the wrong side of the road. It is not an excuse to move anti-clockwise. Isn’t a key turned anti-clockwise when removing it? Rules must be followed,” he said firmly. Sakaja reminded riders that he had previously released more than 2,000 impounded motorcycles after taking office, urging them not to return to indiscipline.
He said reckless riding often leads to fatal accidents that leave families devastated. “If they go back to that behaviour and cause accidents, we end up paying school fees for orphans because someone decided to ride recklessly. So please, police, help us,” he urged. The governor further directed his officers to enforce traffic rules without compromise, empowering county askaris to help lock up the motorcycles of rule breakers.
By Didacus Malowa
