The government has announced fresh measures to curb rogue boda boda riders following a high-level meeting in Nairobi on Thursday between senior police commanders and National Boda Boda Association leaders.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda convened the meeting, which brought together stakeholders to tackle escalating fears of lawlessness and mob justice linked to boda boda operators.
Among the resolutions passed is the enforcement of county uniforms on riders. Seda explained that the uniforms will boost accountability and make it easier for both authorities and the public to identify riders within their respective areas.
The meeting also resolved that every boda boda rider must now register with a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO). Authorities said this requirement will help enforce discipline, improve regulation, and promote financial responsibility across the sector.
Boda-Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) chairperson Kevin Mbadi announced that the association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a network of lawyers to provide free legal services to riders involved in road-related cases.
“It is the work of the police to process an accident or crime scene and ensure that matters are addressed amicably. It is not the work of an aggrieved party to enforce justice,” Mbadi stated.
He explained that many riders struggle to access justice because they lack resources, with some cases allegedly dismissed or mishandled by police officers. Under the new MoU, pro bono legal aid will now be available to boda boda operators across the country.
Mbadi warned riders against mob justice or revenge attacks following accidents, stressing that anyone who takes the law into their own hands would personally be held accountable..
For his part, Commander Seda reminded riders to refrain from interfering with traffic accident investigations and promised police would use tough action against offenders.
He emphasized that law enforcement is the sole responsibility of the police and other authorized agencies, cautioning that indiscipline within the boda boda sector would no longer be tolerated.
