Boda Boda And TuKtuK Operators To Cover Passenger Insurance

Boda Boda and Tuktuk operators will now have to cover their passenger insurance to protect them and pedestrians in the event of an accident in the new rules by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).

With the new directive, the changes to the motor vehicle insurance rules introduced in 1999 will make it illegal for motorbike taxis to operate without covers for their passengers.

Motorcycles and three-wheelers are currently used for non-public services like social, domestic, and leisure purposes are mandated to acquire third-party insurance.

IRA Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Kiptum, explained that although three-wheelers used for social, domestic, and leisure purposes are required to have insurance cover the law does not compel boda boda operators to take up insurance policies.

“There is no legal requirement for the operators to take up insurance policies as boda bodas and tuk-tuks are not indicated in the category of motor vehicles used by fare-paying passengers,” IRA’s statement read in part.

He added that this leaves room for speculation as to whether they ought to take insurance cover or not. The law, however, provides for insurance cover for motorcycles and motorized three-wheelers used for social, domestic, and leisure purposes.

According to IRA, the inclusion of fare-paying motorcycles has been prompted by the rising number of accidents that have left many injured and unable to foot hefty bills.

Insurers’ lobby, Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), supported the proposals by IRA, holding that they will encourage millions of Kenyans who use boda bodas and tuk-tuks.