Kenya’s bustling bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) industry is on the verge of a significant transformation, driven by the proposed Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023.
Passed by the Senate and now awaiting debate in the National Assembly, the bill introduces a wave of tech-focused regulations aimed at streamlining and securing the sector.
Sponsored by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, the bill mandates several key technological implementations.
Perhaps most impactful is the requirement for all commercial motorcycles to be fitted with a tracking device, approved by the County Executive, that allows for real-time identification of the location.
This move is intended to enhance security and deter theft, addressing a long-standing concern within the industry.
According to a report by the World Bank, the boda boda industry in Kenya employs an estimated 1.5 million people and contributes about KSh 202 billion ($1.8 billion) to the economy annually.
Road accidents involving bodabodas have resulted in a significant number of deaths and injuries, according to statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The NTSA identified motorcycles as one of the most dangerous modes of transport in both 2022 and 2023, with bodabodas contributing to a high fatality rate, recording 631 deaths in 2022 and 555 in 2023.
Beyond tracking, the bill also establishes a framework for stricter oversight. It proposes the creation of boards in all 47 counties, tasked with not only registering and regulating motorcycle riders but also ensuring appropriate training.
This localized approach aims to improve accountability and professionalism within the sector.
The bill also touches on contractual obligations, stipulating that owners must have contractual agreements with riders. This aims to formalize the often informal employment arrangements prevalent in the bodaboda industry.
While the proposed changes are welcomed by some, particularly the focus on security, concerns remain.
Some Bodaboda operators acknowledge the potential benefits of proposed regulations, particularly regarding security and theft prevention through tracking devices.
However, they express concern about the actual effectiveness of these measures, citing the continued prevalence of theft despite existing tracking technologies.
Furthermore, they raise concerns about the potential impact of tracking on their privacy.
“I hope the trackers will not interfere with our privacy as operators,”
The bill also outlines a schedule of penalties for non-compliance.
“Riders who violate the rules face fines ranging from KSh 20,000 to KSh 100,000 and jail terms between six months and a year.
These stringent measures underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing the new regulations.
The bill also states, “Every owner of a motorcycle operating for commercial purposes shall not cause or permit any person to ride their motorcycle unless such a person is the holder of a valid driving licence or a valid provisional licence endorsed in respect of that class of motorcycles 1 and a valid employment contract.”
The future of Kenya’s bodaboda sector hinges on the National Assembly’s decision.
If passed, the 2023 bill will usher in a new era, where technology and regulation play a central role in shaping the industry.
