Why The Public Transport Bill Is A Catastrophic Mistake For Bodas

The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill is nothing short of an economic and social catastrophe in the making. While its proponents claim it seeks to regulate the boda boda sector, the reality is that it places insurmountable bureaucratic and financial barriers that will destroy the livelihoods of millions of riders and small business owners.

First, the County Motorcycle Transport & Safety Board introduces unnecessary bureaucracy that will create avenues for corruption, inefficiency, and delays. The requirement to register with County Executive Committee Members and pay fees is another revenue-hungry move that burdens already struggling riders. If the government wants regulation, why not integrate riders into existing transport structures rather than create expensive, redundant oversight bodies?

Second, forcing every motorcycle owner to install a tracking device is both an invasion of privacy and an added cost. What safeguards exist to prevent government abuse of tracking data? Furthermore, the requirement that all riders must be part of a Cooperative Society is an infringement on economic freedom. It limits competition and forces individuals into restrictive financial groups that may not serve their best interests.

Read Also: The Boda Boda That Makes No Noise, Emits No Fumes

The employment contract requirement is unrealistic. The boda boda sector thrives on flexibility; many riders own their bikes and work independently. Forcing formal employment contracts will push thousands into illegality or out of work altogether.

The helmet and reflective jacket mandate should focus on affordability rather than rigid compliance, and the 50kg load limit ignores real-world transport needs, particularly in rural areas where motorcycles are crucial for business.

Finally, the Kes 100,000 fine for “ganging up” is open to dangerous interpretation. Who defines what constitutes intimidation? This clause could be abused to suppress protests and collective bargaining among riders.

Instead of overregulation, the government should focus on training, road safety measures, and providing financial incentives for compliance. This Bill, as it stands, is nothing short of a boda boda death sentence.

Read Also: The Future Of Kenyan Boda Boda Is Electric