William Ruto Orders Release of Boda Boda Motorcycles Impounded by Police Across the Country
- President William Ruto ordered the release of over 9,000 impounded motorcycles, giving police and the Interior Ministry a seven-day deadline to comply
- The directive covers bikes held over non-criminal issues like missing papers or minor traffic violations, some of which had been stuck in police stations
- Ruto also vowed to scrap taxes on motorcycles, claiming the price would drop from KSh 190,000 to a more affordable amount, with lower deposits and daily payments
- He promised legal reforms to shield riders from police harassment and promote self-regulation without choking the boda boda sector's growth
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto has ordered the immediate release of more than 9,000 motorcycles impounded and held at police stations across the country.
Source: Twitter
Speaking on Thursday, August 7, during a meeting with boda boda representatives from all sub-counties at State House, the head of state directed Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to oversee the release within seven days.
Ruto explained that the directive applies to motorcycles seized over non-criminal matters, including documentation issues, minor traffic violations, and cases where no formal charges were filed.
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"Met Boda Boda officials from all sub-counties, State House Nairobi. Gave amnesty to owners of motorcycles which have been detained at police stations and are not linked to criminal cases. Asked the Ministry of Interior to work with the Inspector-General of Police to have the motorcycles released in the next one week," Ruto said.
He cast the decision as part of his administration’s broader effort to empower small-scale entrepreneurs and dismantle unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that hurt youth-driven industries.
The president’s move comes amid longstanding complaints from boda boda operators who say their motorcycles are routinely impounded by police and held indefinitely.
In some cases, bikes have remained in police custody for years, with owners unable to recover them despite following legal procedures.
What reforms did Ruto promise boda boda riders?
Beyond the amnesty, Ruto also made a major policy announcement on motorcycle affordability.
In a move seen as wooing the sector that championed his 2022 presidential bid, he promised to spearhead legislative changes to eliminate taxes on motorcycles.
The head of state explained that the move would cut their cost by half and ease financial pressure on low-income buyers.
He further explained that the proposed tax cuts would significantly lower the deposit and daily repayments required for financing.
"I will go to Parliament to get rid of taxes, and that will reduce the cost of motorbikes. I want ordinary people to be able to buy motorbikes. The motorbike will no longer be KSh 190,000, it will be KSh 95,000. That is half. The deposit will not be KSh 70,000, it will be KSh 9,500. The payments per day will not be KSh 500 but KSh 180," he explained.
Ruto emphasised that the government sees the boda boda sector as a vital part of Kenya’s economy, and that policy must reflect its importance.
Source: Facebook
He said his administration will pursue legal reforms to promote responsible self-regulation, curb harassment by law enforcement, and professionalise the industry without stifling its growth.
"Boda Boda operators are legitimate entrepreneurs whose businesses must be supported. We will work with all stakeholders to enact a law that embraces self-regulation that will help spur the sector’s growth," he stated.
Why did boda boda riders reject the Motorcycle Bill?
In a related report, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) strongly rejected the proposed Motorcycle Regulation Bill, warning it would devastate informal livelihoods.
They argued the bill duplicates the existing NTSA framework, introduces 47 county-level boards, and forces costly requirements, such as GPS tracking devices, formal rider‑owner contracts, mandatory SACCO membership, and a 50 kg load limit, that most cannot afford.
Such rules, BAK said, would burden hardworking operators, fuel corruption, and cut off rural communities from essential transport.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
