William Ruto's Constitutional Advisor Proposes Banning of Boda Bodas on Kenyan Roads
- Professor Makau Mutua proposes a total ban of boda bodas in Kenya, citing culture of chaos and indiscipline supposedly harboured in them
- Mutua suggested that the towns and cities where the low-cost transport motorbikes operate had become inhabitable
- To restore order and discipline in the public, and end lawlessness, a ban would suffice, Mutua suggested
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Professor Makau Mutua now wants the state to embargo the widespread low-cost motorbike transport in Kenya.
Source: Twitter
Why boda boda in Kenya should be banned
In a tweet on Thursday, July 17, Mutua said the culture of motorbikes, commonly called boda boda, had become an inconvenience on the roads and a threat to public order.
According to Mutua, who is President William Ruto's advisor on constitutional affairs, the boda bodas had become an embarrassing spectacle in the country.
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It is his argument that the boda boda culture is compromising the dignity of the country.
He called for their ban in major cities and townships.
"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," he said.
However, as it were, Mutua's perspective sparked mixed reactions.
Do Kenyans support boda boda ban
Whilst a good number of his audience shared in his thoughts, an equally good chunk disagreed, referencing the convenience the boda boda sector has caused to the ordinary citizenry that patronises their services.
Besides, the dissenters argued how the sector had helped solve the unemployment question and bolster the economy.
They suggested regulatory measures to filter out the rogue elements in the sector.
"You’re speaking from a privilege point of view, must be nice. Boda Boda is a menace yes but it’s hold on the economy is solid, what’s needed is just strict regulations, kunywa iced tea prof utulie," said Kinyan Boy.
"This might sound good but in reality major cities and towns in Kenya do not have any convenient way to get people from one point to another and boda boda serves that purpose, before anyone considers this you need to get a better alternative,' said Kachwanya.
They accused Mutua of advancing blanket condemnation when the sector has a good share of civilised operators.
Kenyans opposed to the professor's proposition noted that rogueness in any sector is tied down to innate personality issues and hence should not be splashed on those undertaking their work with dignity.
"Kigali is extremely organized with thousands of boda boda riders. Discipline is what we lack! And here is where the government comes in, access to cheaper electric bikes, zero tolerance to indiscipline and corruption," said Castrophy.
"Calling for a total ban on all boda bodas overlooks the critical role they play in our economy. This sector is one of the largest sources of employment in Kenya, supporting millions of youths and their families. Instead of banning them, let’s push for better regulation, proper training, and strict enforcement of traffic laws," said Samwel Wekesa.
Mutua was advised to recommend solutions to those depending on the very sector.
"Yet that's where those young and old folks get their daily bread to provide for their families, if you want to get rid of them, then provide decent jobs for them, some of them are well learned people; it's just that "connections" didn't favor them to secure decent jobs," said Sayit Rioba.
Source: Getty Images
TUKO.co.ke sought the opinion of a boda boda rider.
John Mwangi, a rider in Muthiga, Kiambu County, dissented from Mutua's perspective, but acknowledged challenges in the boda boda sector.
"We can't say we're shutting down a whole sector because of a small percentage of stubborn elements. We must accept that boda bodas have enabled employment across Kenya. For instance, I learnt that at least 2 million people are directly employed here, where would mutua take them should that proposal be adopted?" Mwangi posed.
Does boda boda contribute to accidents?
In its successive reports, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has considerably attributed the motorcycles used in transport to accidents.
The data cites a widespread lack of road safety education and the absence of formal licensing for the operators.
Between January 1 and March 31, at least 431 lives were lost in motorcycle accidents across the country. This is an average of about five deaths per day.
To address this issue, NTSA and the Automobile Association of Kenya recently launched a program known as Licence na Mia, which offers affordable training on safe riding practices, defensive driving, and emergency response.
The initiative is part of the NTSA's Plan 2024–2028 and aims to train and license over one million currently unlicensed riders across the country.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
