President William Ruto has announced a major reduction in the price of motorbikes, cutting the cost by more than half as part of a plan to make Boda Bodas more affordable for ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking while hosting national officials of the Boda Boda sector at State House, Nairobi, on August 7, 2025, Ruto said that motorbikes, which previously cost Ksh195,000, will now retail at Ksh95,000.
“We want to have a plan where all ordinary citizens can afford to own a boda boda. Those motorbikes are no longer Ksh195,000 — they now cost Ksh95,000,” the President said.
Ruto also announced a significant drop in the deposit required for motorbikes purchased through loan facilities, reducing it from Ksh70,000 to just Ksh9,500.
He further revealed that the government has negotiated friendlier loan terms, where motorbike borrowers will pay a daily installment of Ksh180.
“The daily repayment is no longer Ksh500 — it’s Ksh180,” he added. “I will also ask Members of Parliament to remove the remaining taxes. This will lower the cost of motorbikes by an additional Ksh10,000.”
Ruto Announces Motorbikes to Cost Ksh95,000
The Head of State also ordered the release of over 9,000 motorcycles which have been detained at police stations and are not linked to criminal cases.
He directed the Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo and the Inspector General of Police Dougla Kanja to take action within one week following the State House meeting.
Also Read: Ruto’s Advisor Calls for Ban on Boda Bodas in Major Cities
Ruto noted that every government policy rolled out under his administration has been guided by the bottom-up philosophy, which prioritizes the needs of those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
“Kenya will not be a country for the rich alone — it will be for everyone: those at the bottom, in the middle, and at the top. That’s why we adopted the bottom-up approach, starting with the lower class. This is the philosophy that will ensure everyone takes part in moving Kenya forward and that no one is left behind,” he added.
“In the past, only rich people came to State House. Someone came here a few days ago and he said that I have lowered the levels of State House by inviting random people. Previously you had to be a Cabinet Secretary, Governor, PS or ambassador but right now even boda boda guys are around. There is nothing wrong with that because we want a united country.”
Also Read: Ruto Sends Warning to Banks Over Loan Interest Rates
Ruto Defends Boda Boda Sector, Says No One Can Threaten the Industry
President Ruto affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting boda boda operators, recognizing them as legitimate entrepreneurs playing a vital role in the economy.
He added that the government will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to develop a legal framework that encourages self-regulation within the sector.
“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,” Ruto said.
The fifth president said he has held more harambees and supported boda boda operators more than any other leader.
He emphasized that the boda boda industry is an integral part of Kenya’s economy and warned against any attempts to undermine it.
“In the last election, I elevated boda boda riders and made them part of the national conversation. There were two groups at the centre of that conversation: boda boda and mama mboga. Who brought them into the national spotlight? I did,” he stated.
“That’s why no one can threaten the boda boda industry.”
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