A top advisor to President William Ruto has proposed a total ban on boda bodas from the streets of Kenya’s major cities and towns, calling the popular motorcycle taxis a source of “chaos, illegality and indiscipline.”
Makau Mutua, a senior advisor to the president, made the remarks on July 17 on social media, where he expressed deep frustration over the state of urban transport and the growing presence of boda bodas in city centers.
“I am convinced that ALL boda boda should be banned from the streets of ALL Kenya’s major cities and towns,” Mutua said in a post on X. “No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely unacceptable.”
Boda bodas are a vital means of transportation for millions of Kenyans and a key source of employment, especially for young people.
But they have also faced criticism over traffic violations, accidents, and involvement in petty crime.
Reactions from Kenyans
Mutua’s comments quickly drew strong reactions, with some praising the idea as a necessary step toward urban order, while others slammed it as elitist and out of touch with the economic realities of everyday Kenyans.
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“That’s over a 1 billion economy providing millions of jobs directly and indirectly,” Makau F. Mully posted on X. “Don’t advise President Ruto on how to fail. Without industries, the economy thrives on the informal sector.”
Another user, @Katya_Natures, warned against regulatory overreach, saying, “You can’t legislate away economic problems. Banning boda bodas from our roads won’t solve the deeper issues — in fact, it risks creating even greater chaos.”
Some users voiced frustration with lawmakers. “I have been wondering if we have laws in our country for these riders. Our parliamentarians are simply sleeping on their job completely,” wrote Krak.
Michael Mulongo Sikuku Namunyu accused the government of betrayal, “The government you are serving promised to support boda boda. Kicking them out is betrayal, Prof.”
Others backed the crackdown. “I actually fully support this. Coincidentally, majority of that chaos is fueled by riders from Luo Nyanza anyway,” said George Njoroge. “Let’s be honest, I doubt Baba would ever back this kind of order. His political base strongly lacks discipline; disorder is their brand.”
“In Nairobi, when crossing roads, you have to be careful to avoid being hit by a boda guy on the wrong lane, such a struggle,” added user Iconic Joji.
Boda Boda Accidents
In December 2024, pedestrians and boda boda riders were named as the leading victims of road crashes in the country, with the number of fatalities continuing to rise.
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As per the report, the majority of the fatalities recorded for this year were pedestrians and boda boda riders.
Those highly affected were 1600 pedestrians killed, followed by 900 motorcyclists.
According to the latest NTSA report from March 2025, 1,139 people died in road crashes in the first quarter. This is a slight decrease from the 1,166 fatalities in the same period in 2024.
However, the number is still high. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group, with 420 deaths. Motorcyclists follow, with 301 fatalities.
Other casualties include 189 passengers, 130 pillion passengers, 83 drivers, and 16 pedal cyclists.
Approximately 12 Kenyans lost their lives in road accidents in the 2024/25 financial year.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of fatalities countrywide between January and March 2025, with a total of 138 deaths.
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