President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Professor Makau Mutua, has ignited a nationwide debate after demanding a total ban on boda bodas from all major towns and cities in Kenya.
In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Mutua described boda bodas as a source of road chaos, aesthetic decline, and indiscipline.
“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 posted.
Public Reaction: Livelihoods vs. Order
The remarks sparked mixed reactions online and offline. While some Kenyans echoed Mutua’s concerns about disorder, accidents, and poor regulation, many others warned that a blanket ban would devastate livelihoods in a fragile economy.
“Banning boda bodas will throw thousands of youth into joblessness. Regulate them, don’t criminalize poverty,” one X user replied.
Boda bodas have become a cornerstone of informal urban transport, particularly for last-mile travel, and are heavily relied upon in both urban and rural areas.
Not a New Debate
Mutua’s suggestion revives a long-standing policy dilemma. Previous Nairobi governors, including Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko, made efforts to restrict boda bodas from accessing the Central Business District (CBD)—but enforcement proved difficult.
Today, boda bodas continue to operate in city centers despite signage, bylaws, and traffic restrictions, largely due to weak enforcement and political pressure.
Safety Concerns Mounting
Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) underscores the public safety challenge. In the final quarter of 2024, nearly 800 fatalities were recorded in boda boda-related accidents, involving riders, passengers, and pedestrians.
According to NTSA, boda bodas account for a disproportionately high share of road deaths, raising concerns about training, helmet use, speeding, and disregard for traffic rules.
Regulation, Not Bans
While Professor Mutua calls for a full ban, Parliament and transport authorities have taken a more tempered approach. Instead of outlawing boda bodas outright, current proposals include:
- Mandatory rider training
- Proper licensing and certification
- Designated boda boda lanes and zones
- Use of reflective vests and helmets
Efforts are also underway to modernize the industry with electric motorcycles, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance safety standards.
Boda Bodas and the Economy
The boda boda sector is estimated to employ over 1.5 million Kenyans, most of them youth. It also contributes significantly to the informal economy, supporting families through daily earnings.
A blanket ban, critics argue, would not only worsen unemployment but also trigger social unrest, especially in urban settlements where boda bodas are the only affordable and accessible mode of transport.
Conclusion
Makau Mutua’s call for a nationwide boda boda ban has added fuel to an ongoing national conversation. While concerns over road safety, disorder, and aesthetics are valid, policy responses must strike a balance between regulation and economic inclusion.
Rather than a sweeping ban, many experts and citizens are calling for a structured approach to reform—through training, zoning, enforcement, and modernization.
As Kenya’s urban centers continue to expand, how the government handles the boda boda sector may prove pivotal to both public safety and urban mobility in the years ahead.
