NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in partnership with the National Police Service (NPS) and other agencies, will pilot a programme issuing unique identification numbers to boda boda riders, starting in Nairobi.
The initiative aims to regulate the sector, which has drawn criticism from motorists and the public over riders’ alleged flouting of traffic rules.
The new system will assign each rider a number distinct from their motorcycle’s registration plate, enabling authorities to track operations more effectively.
Boniface Otieno, NPS Traffic Department liaison in Nairobi, said, “Currently, we are having a multiagency discussion headed by NTSA. We are doing a pilot in Nairobi City where we intend to register all motorcyclists and give them a separate number apart from the number plate, which is already online.”
The programme responds to concerns that some riders exploit anonymity to operate outside designated routes, engage in traffic violations, or commit criminal acts.
It also addresses grievances from the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) and motorists, who threatened to halt matatu services in Nairobi over recent attacks on vehicles by rogue riders.
Otieno warned that the identification system would be strictly enforced. He dismissed claims that police are retreating from traffic enforcement, noting that crackdowns on riders who overtake on the wrong side or ride on pedestrian walkways will intensify.
“When an accident occurs, law enforcement will investigate and ensure compensation, rather than allowing individuals to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
The pilot is also part of broader reforms to ensure integrity in traffic enforcement.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is backing measures against bribery among officers, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja authorising an internal operations unit to take action against errant personnel.
NTSA and partners say the Nairobi pilot will guide the nationwide rollout, aiming to bring order to the boda boda sector, which supports an estimated 1.6 million riders, including nearly 1.3 million young people, according to the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK).
