Bodabodas are an essential part of Nairobi’s transport system, but indiscipline, lawlessness, and criminal misuse have turned them into a serious public safety concern. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action from government, riders, operators, and the public.
A decision must be made, in all fairness, if the bodaboda must continue accessing the greater capital CBD. If they must, perhaps their colours and coding ought to be different from the rest. Their numbers must equally be capped.
Strict enforcement of traffic laws is crucial: reckless riders must be arrested and prosecuted, riding on pavements or wrong lanes stopped, and violence or mob justice rejected outright.
Riders should be properly registered, display number plates and reflective jackets, carry ID badges, and operate from county-approved stages.
Training, licensing, and regular refresher courses on road safety, customer care, and conflict resolution are essential to save lives and improve service.
Orderly transport also depends on designated stages and approved routes, while associations and SACCOs must regulate their members, discipline rogue riders, and take collective responsibility for misconduct.
Bodabodas should never be tools for crime; vetting riders, conducting background checks, and intelligence-led policing are vital to prevent criminal networks from exploiting them.
The public also plays a role by using registered riders, avoiding confrontations, and reporting reckless or criminal behavior to authorities.
County and national governments must harmonize regulations, empower traffic enforcement agencies, manage stages, and ensure political leaders do not shield offenders.
In addition, the NTSA should establish national and regional control rooms to monitor all bodaboda activity.
Every bike should be installed with a tamper-proof, remotely monitored digital tracking microchip before registration. This will ensure accountability, reduce crime, and enable real-time enforcement.
Ultimately, bodabodas are not the problem—indiscipline and impunity are. With responsible riders, active public participation, and accountable leadership,
Nairobi can enjoy safer roads, secure neighborhoods, and an orderly transport system.
Clearly, NTSA and National Police Service must work with the County Government of Nairobi and roll out win-win reforms, fast
Politicians should equally be banned from being escorted by motorcyclists due to commotion and blocking roads
