Ruto advisor Makau Mutua calls for boda boda ban in major cities
President William Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs, Makau Mutua, has called for a ban on boda boda in major cities in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Mutua noted that he was convinced that the motorcycle riders were unsightly and responsible for chaos in the city.
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“I am convinced that all boda boda should be banned from the streets of all Kenya’s major cities and towns,” Mutua said.
Indiscipline on roads
“No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely unacceptable.”
This comes as a motorcycle regulation bill sponsored by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is expected to enter its second reading on the floor of the National Assembly.
In the proposed legislation, the bill restricts riders to carrying only one adult passenger, mandates the provision of safety gear, bans transporting loads above 50kg alongside passengers, and enforces designated parking.
Riders must also obtain certificates from their respective county executives, effectively placing the entire sector under county and NTSA regulation.
Proposed legislation
The legislation would also require riders to hold valid driving licences and registration certificates and to wear approved safety gear.
Operators would need to ensure rear number plates remain visible and refrain from parking in undesignated areas.
Additional requirements include mandatory training in traffic laws, safety, customer care, emergency response, and vehicle maintenance.
Motorcycle owners would be obligated to provide two standard-compliant helmets and reflective jackets.
The Bill also accounts for special cases: children under the age of nine would be permitted to ride between an adult and the rider, provided they wear appropriate child helmets.
Furthermore, persons with disabilities would be exempt from sit-astride regulations.
While the sponsor of the bill, Khalwale, sought to withdraw the bill following a public outcry on the effects it could portend, the National Assembly has vowed to continue with the processing of the bill to become law.
Boda boda sector provides jobs to a significant chunk of Kenya’s unemployed population and offers convenience in many parts of the country where roads are undeveloped.
