BODA BODA: Senator Khalwale Forced To Withdraw The Motorcycle Bill After Outrage
Khalwale promises to remove motorbike bill following outrage.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has proposed withdrawing the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023, citing an outcry from riders who see it as an attempt to control their livelihoods.
Speaking to the press, the senator stated that he sponsored the bill to govern the boda boda industry, which is known for breaking traffic laws.
He recommended rules in the bill to prevent fatalities and restore order to the industry.
“I have a record that extends over 20 years of listening to the common mwananchi. In the past, many youths in the boda boda sector have lost their lives and I deemed it fit to introduce regulations to reduce the fatality rate on the road,” Khalwale said.
The bodaboda transport bill.. pic.twitter.com/J1dLaMPyLW
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@DrBKhalwale) February 24, 2025
“They are also not compensated under the Work Injury Benefits Act.”
He stated that the bill was not intended to oppress youths but rather to protect their future.
Furthermore, Khalwale said that the discussions surrounding the bill were politicized in order to represent him negatively in the eyes of the public.
“Critics of the bill politicised it to the point of turning the youth against me. Tomorrow, I will formally write to the Senate and National Assembly Clerks, seeking the proposed legislation’s withdrawal,” he added.
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@DrBKhalwale) February 25, 2025
The law proposed regulations requiring boda riders to register with the county government and a Sacco, have tracking devices on their motorcycles, and have legitimate employment contracts with the owners.
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The bill also recommended fines of up to Ksh.20,000 for anyone caught riding on a pedestrian sidewalk, as well as a Ksh.100,000 fine or a one-year jail sentence for boda boda riders who conspire with others to threaten or hurt another person.
Once the bill was introduced in the National Assembly, the Boda Boda Association of Kenya promised widespread protests if MPs passed it.
“Mtu yeyote atadhubutu kupitisha hiyo bill, nyumbani direct! Sisi hata hatutangojea hiyo 2027, tuko tayari!” said BSAK Nairobi Chairman Samuel Waraga.
“Na sisi ndio serikali namba tatu, tuko na national government, county government, na boda boda government.”
BODA BODA: Senator Khalwale Forced To Withdraw The Motorcycle Bill After Outrage
