Nairobi, July 17- Professor Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, has ignited controversy after urging for boda bodas to be completely banned from Kenya’s major towns and cities.
In a post on X, Mutua described boda bodas as sources of “chaos” and “lawlessness,” claiming they have no place in modern urban areas.
“I strongly believe boda bodas should be removed from every major city and town in Kenya. No modern city should allow this level of disorder, illegality, poor aesthetics, and road indiscipline. Totally unacceptable,” Mutua wrote.
His remarks have split public opinion. While some people agree that boda bodas contribute to accidents and disorder, others point out that banning them would negatively affect thousands who rely on them for daily income.
The proposal is not new—former Nairobi governors Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko attempted to restrict boda bodas from the CBD, though the efforts failed.
Today, boda bodas continue to offer affordable transport and jobs to millions, especially in the tough economy. However, safety concerns remain a growing issue.
According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), nearly 800 deaths were recorded in boda boda-related accidents in the last three months of 2024 alone.
Despite these risks, authorities have largely avoided imposing bans due to the sector’s economic importance. Instead, focus has shifted towards stricter regulations, such as mandatory training, licensing, and specific riding zones.
There are also ongoing efforts to modernise the industry, including the introduction of electric motorcycles supported by the UN Environment Programme to cut emissions and boost safety.
