Rowdy boda boda riders found riding on pavements will be fined 20,000 shillings or jailed for 6 months in the proposed changes tabled before the Kenyan Senate.
The regulations come at a critical time when there is massive confusion in Kenya’s boda boda sector with many criminals who have been terrorizing Kenyans on the road operating motorbikes.
At the same time, boda boda riders will be required to register with a cooperative sacco that will be held responsible should a member be found breaking the laws. The Saccos will ensure that their members follow the law and are not found on the wrong side of the stipulated laws.
Any boda boda found ganging up with other riders to threaten, harm, intimidate, or harass other persons will be jailed for one year or fined 100,000 shillings or both. This will help teach a lesson to boda boda riders who have been attacking car owners whenever there is an accident including burning down the cars.
Under the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023, anyone who wishes to operate a motorcycle for commercial purposes will be required to register with the respective County Executive Committee Members and pay the prescribed fee. The bill has been proposed by Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale.
Another requirement of the new proposal is that every owner of a motorcycle shall ensure it is fitted with a tracking device, approved by the County Executive, that allows for real-time identification of the location.
Besides that, every owner of a motorcycle registered for commercial purposes shall not permit any person to ride their motorcycle unless they hold a valid driver’s or provisional license in respect of that class of motorcycles and a valid written employment contract.
Many have started screaming that the laws will hit the sector hard and that they might force millions of them out of business.
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