Presidential advisor Makau Mutua calls for boda boda ban in Kenyan cities, major towns

Presidential advisor Professor Makau Mutua has called for a complete ban on boda bodas in Kenya’s major cities and towns, saying the motorcycle taxis contribute to urban chaos, lawlessness, and poor road discipline.

In a statement on Thursday, Prof Mutua, who serves as the Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President, said he was convinced that boda bodas should not be allowed to operate in urban centres.

He argued that no modern city should tolerate what he described as disorder, illegality, indiscipline, and poor aesthetics brought about by the sector.

“I am convinced that all boda boda should be banned from the streets of ALL Kenya’s major cities and towns. No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE,” Mutua said in a statement on X.

His remarks triggered an immediate public response online, with Kenyans deeply divided on whether banning boda bodas would be justified.

Some supported the call, citing safety concerns and the frequent disregard of traffic rules by riders. They argued that the sector had grown unruly and in some cases, dangerous.

One user described city commuting as a daily struggle, saying that even pedestrians must watch out for boda bodas riding against traffic.

Others warned that the sector was increasingly operating like a lawless force, occasionally using intimidation tactics and violence.

However, many criticised the call as impractical and out of touch with economic realities.

Some pointed out that the boda boda industry is a key source of employment for millions of youth across the country. Critics argued that banning them without providing alternative livelihoods or improved public transportation would be unjust and socially disruptive.

"Sadly, those boda bodas are a lot of people's livelihoods, you can’t mess up their livelihoods because you want to achieve impeccable aesthetics. Unless the govt has a plan to promote industrialisation and create an enabling environment for industries to thrive to absorb them there, which of course isn't the priority of this government," one responded.

Others questioned whether the state had any real plan to create alternative job opportunities or invest in mass transport systems before taking such drastic action.

Earlier this year, a legislative proposal aimed at regulating Kenya’s boda boda sector sparked national debate before being withdrawn by its sponsor, Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale.

The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, commonly referred to as the Bodaboda Bill, sought to streamline operations in the industry, which has often been associated with traffic violations and public safety concerns.

Among its provisions were mandatory rider registration, structured training on safety and customer care, as well as requirements for safety gear like helmets and reflective jackets. It also introduced clear limits on passenger numbers and enforced the use of headlights at all times.

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However, the Bill encountered widespread resistance during public participation, particularly from riders who viewed it as punitive and a threat to their livelihoods. Facing mounting pressure, Senator Khalwale formally requested to withdraw the Bill earlier this year.

Despite his request, the National Assembly dismissed the withdrawal request during a vote, with Speaker Moses Wetangula explaining that the Bill had already passed the Senate and needed to continue through the legislative process.

The Bill was first introduced to the National Assembly on February 13, 2025, and was referred to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.