KIBRA, Nairobi — A new sticker-based identification system is set to be rolled out in Kibra as part of a crackdown on rising insecurity involving boda boda riders. The initiative, led by local security officials, aims to bring order to the popular yet loosely regulated motorcycle taxi industry.
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mohamed Abbas confirmed the move, stating that every registered boda boda will now be required to display a visible, color-coded sticker identifying their designated stage.
“We want to bring sanity to the bodaboda industry,” Abbas told local media. “Each sticker will indicate where a rider operates from—Olympic, Lindi, Gatwekera, and so on—making it easier to identify and track operators.”
A Response to Escalating Motorcycle-Linked Robberies
The move comes after a surge in reported crimes involving motorcycles. According to residents, groups of youth have been using motorbikes to stage quick and coordinated snatch-and-run robberies—targeting phones, handbags, and other valuables.
Philip Maloba, a long-time Kibra resident, described the tactic:
“They grab your phone and within seconds, they’re on a waiting boda boda and gone. It’s become very dangerous, especially in crowded areas.”
Due to Kibra’s densely populated setup, narrow alleyways, and heavy foot traffic, such crimes often go unpunished as culprits vanish before police can respond.
How the Sticker System Will Work
Each boda boda stage in Kibra will have its own unique sticker color. Riders will be expected to prominently display their stickers, allowing both law enforcement and residents to easily verify if a rider belongs to a specific stage.
Riders found operating without an official sticker will be treated as suspicious, with possible legal consequences.
“Boda boda is not just a means of transport—it’s a livelihood for many youth,” Abbas emphasized. “But that doesn’t give anyone license to abuse the system. We’re targeting criminals, not genuine riders.”
Collaboration and Community Involvement Key to Success
To ensure smooth implementation, the local administration is working closely with boda boda associations and stage leaders.
Together, they will distribute the stickers, train riders on compliance, and monitor adherence to the new rules.
The rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
Community leaders and safety advocates have voiced their support for the measure, calling it a step in the right direction.
“This initiative will protect the good riders and make it easier to weed out the few who tarnish the industry’s image,” said one local youth organizer. “It’s for everyone’s safety.”
A Safer Kibra on the Horizon
Residents remain cautiously optimistic. While acknowledging that the issue is complex, many believe the sticker system could serve as a practical and immediate deterrent to crime—fostering trust and accountability in a community where boda bodas play an essential role in daily life.
