The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has threatened to stage nationwide protests
The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has threatened to stage nationwide protests if the government goes ahead to implement the proposed Motorcycle Transport and Safety Bill which is currently before Parliament.
The Association appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport, Public Works and Housing and rejected the draft law terming it punitive, redundant and structurally unworkable. The Association submitted a memorandum outlining objections to various clauses of the bill.
According to the Association, the bill introduces an unnecessary and bureaucratic regulatory framework including the creation of 47 county level Motorcycle Transport and Safety Boards and mandatory Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) membership for all motorcycle operators. These measures the Association said are financially burdensome and will breed corruption in the sector.
The memorandum further stated that the bill undermines the existing mandate of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and duplicates roles already established under national transport policy. The Association said the bill also encroaches on constitutionally mandated county government functions in contravention of the devolved system of governance.
“The Bill is a solution in search of a problem,” the Association said, warning that its provisions will increase operational costs, destabilize the industry and create unnecessary regulatory confusion. The Association said the motorcycle sector is critical to the national economy and any regulatory intervention must support not constrain its growth.
Despite the opposition, committee members supported the bill in principle and asked stakeholders to contribute through proposed amendments. Bureti MP Komingoi Kibet told the Association to engage constructively, “You have an opportunity to shape laws that work for you. Don’t dismiss the bill entirely, propose changes.”
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri echoed this saying the existing institutions like NTSA should be strengthened rather than creating parallel entities.
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Members of Parliament also raised concerns on the increasing use of motorcycles in illegal activities. Wajir North MP Abdi Saney and Eldas MP Hussein Weytan said motorcycles are used in drug trafficking, robberies and civilian attacks and therefore need to be regulated.After this the Office of the Inspector-General of Police recommended for the formation of a multi-sectoral coordination committee. The committee would have representatives from NTSA, National Police Service, Council of Governors and recognized boda boda associations. It will plan, enforce and harmonized policy implementation and harmonized policy.
The Motorcycle Transport and Safety Bill remains under review as stakeholders continue to submit their input. The committee will table its report after public participation hearings.
The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has threatened to stage nationwide protests
