The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced sweeping reforms to regulate the boda boda industry, slashing motorcycle licensing fees by over 50% and imposing stricter speed limits to enhance road safety.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NTSA announced that the cost of obtaining a motorcycle riding license would drop from Ksh10,000 to approximately Ksh3,000 “under very favourable conditions”.
This, Board Chairperson Khatib Mwashetani stated, is part of a broader effort to make licensing more affordable for the estimated 1.8 million boda boda riders across the country, many of whom operate in the informal sector and face economic challenges.
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“This reduction will encourage more riders to formalise their operations and comply with licensing requirements,” Mwashetani said. “A licensed rider is more likely to adhere to traffic regulations, which ultimately improves safety for all road users.”
In addition, the NTSA is looking to introduce a 30 km/h speed limit for boda bodas in residential areas and near schools, a sharp reduction from the previous 50 km/h cap. On highways, the speed limit remains 80 km/h, but stricter enforcement is planned, with speed guns and increased patrols to monitor compliance.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Boda boda associations have welcomed the reduced licence fees but expressed concerns over the feasibility of the new speed restrictions. “Most of our bikes are not fitted with speedometers, and enforcing this limit will be a challenge,” said James Mwangi, a 28-year-old boda boda operator in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, pedestrian groups and safety advocates praised the changes, citing the need to protect vulnerable road users.
The new rules, effective soon, aim to curb the rising number of accidents involving motorcycles, which account for nearly 40% of road fatalities in Kenya, according to recent NTSA data.
The NTSA said it plans to roll out training programmes to educate riders on the new regulations and has pledged to collaborate with county governments to ensure compliance.
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