Mombasa sets January deadline for tuk-tuk operators' SACCO registration

All tuk-tuk operators have until January 1, 2026, to enrol under accredited transport SACCOs, Mombasa County Government has announced, cautioning that anyone still operating outside the approved groups after the cut-off date will face enforcement action.

County Executive for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance, Dan Manyala, said the move forms part of a wider programme aimed at improving order, accountability and safety within the county’s public transport network.

“Mombasa is a city that relies heavily on tourism. Our transport system must reflect that by being structured, reliable and safe for everyone,” he said.

According to Manyala, the county is in the final stages of preparing new rules to govern how SACCOs for both tuk-tuk and boda boda operators will function.

Eight SACCOs have already been cleared, and additional groups will be admitted as long as they meet the minimum threshold of 100 tuk-tuks per SACCO.

From the start of the new year, SACCO membership will be the mandatory operating framework for all tuk-tuk services in the county.

The upcoming system includes the issuance of unique identification numbers and colour-coded stickers, enabling authorities to know where each vehicle is registered and easily trace it in the event of any complaint or incident.

Chairman of the Mombasa Tuk-tuk SACCOs Caucus, Dickson Kibagendi, welcomed the development, saying the county had finally acknowledged the sector’s significant economic value.

“Tuk-tuks have become one of the main sources of income for young people, women and families across the Coast region. This industry brings in roughly Sh15 billion every year and remains the second most relied-upon urban transport service after matatus,” he said.

Finance CEC Evans Oanda noted that the directive would also help the county streamline revenue collection by ensuring all operators are accounted for.

“Out of an estimated 17,000 tuk-tuks, only around 4,000 are currently paying the required fees. These reforms will ensure everyone contributes fairly,” he said.

NTSA Coast Regional Manager, Caroline Sankan, hailed the rollout as an important step under the National Road Safety Action Plan, which obliges public service operators to work under structured organisations.

“Effective licensing is only possible when operators are organised. SACCOs allow regulators to monitor the sector properly and uphold safety standards,” she said.

Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru assured that national agencies would work closely with the county to ensure adherence to the new rules after the deadline.

“We will support enforcement alongside county and security teams,” he said.

Other Topics To Read

• Coast
• Mombasa
• mombasa tuk tuk
• tuk-tuks
• Public Transport
• SACCO
• transport safety
• Mombasa sets January deadline for tuk-tuk operators' SACCO registration
• Headlines

Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer, Stephen Nzioki, emphasised that the requirement would promote discipline on the roads.

“Our priority is safety. Drivers must be licensed, insured and properly registered,” he said.

Private sector players also announced new welfare interventions for operators.

Car & General’s Coast Regional Manager, Benson Wambua, said the tuk-tuk business supported thousands of households.

“With over 25,000 people working directly in the sector and more than 75,000 dependants, it is only right that the industry is managed in a structured manner,” he said, noting that a new registration system had been adopted to eliminate duplication of identification numbers.

Salama SACCO Chairperson, Anwar Bujra, encouraged operators to comply while calling for national government backing.

“The President promised empowerment once operators organised themselves. We have fulfilled that requirement, and now we expect support,” he said.