NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled a set of sweeping reforms aimed at streamlining the boda boda industry, which has faced growing concerns over safety and regulation.
In a move to ease the financial burden on riders while boosting compliance, NTSA has proposed slashing the cost of a boda boda license from Sh15,000 to Sh3,000.
NTSA Chairman Khatib Mwashetani highlighted that the reduction in licensing fees is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety and formalize the sector.
He noted that the current high costs of licensing have been a significant barrier for many riders, particularly in a largely unregulated industry.
“We plan to reduce the license fee to as low as Sh3,000 under very favorable conditions,” Mwashetani said.
In addition to the reduced fees, the NTSA has introduced a mandatory speed limit of 80 km/h for boda bodas and will implement new regulations to improve safety.
Under the new rules, each boda boda will be restricted to carrying a single passenger, and both the rider and the passenger will be required to wear reflective jackets to increase visibility on the roads.
This move aims to address the frequent violations of passenger capacity regulations and reduce the number of accidents involving boda bodas.
The boda boda sector plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy, with over one million registered riders across the country.
However, the sector has become a major contributor to road accidents.
Data from NTSA shows that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 431 people were killed in motorcycle-related accidents—an average of five deaths per day—surpassing the combined number of fatalities from car accidents.
This disturbing trend follows a sharp rise in motorcycle deaths, with 1,200 boda boda riders killed in 2024, up from 900 the previous year.
The NTSA attributes much of the increase in accidents to reckless behavior, inexperience, and the lack of formal training for riders.
As part of ongoing efforts to address these issues, the NTSA has been working on a number of initiatives, including public sensitization campaigns and stricter enforcement of road safety rules.
Further legislative efforts are underway, with Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale proposing a Bill aimed at improving safety within the boda boda sector.
The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023 suggests the creation of County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Boards and mandates that riders install GPS trackers and obtain insurance.
The Bill also proposes hefty fines, including a Sh20,000 penalty for riding on pavements, as well as prison sentences for repeat offenders.
The new measures from the NTSA, alongside ongoing legislative efforts, are expected to bring much-needed reform to the boda boda industry, making it safer for both riders and the general public.
The reforms come as part of a larger national push to reduce road fatalities and improve overall safety across all modes of transport in Kenya.
