EXPLAINER: Why Boda Bodas Are Banned From Nairobi’s Multi-Billion Highway
Have you ever wondered why boda bodas are rarely, if ever, seen on the Nairobi Expressway?
As it turns out, boda bodas are among a small group of vehicles and means of transportation barred from utilizing the multi-billion shilling route.
MOJA Expressway took to social media on Wednesday, February 4, to plainly state that boda bodas remained one of the transportation options prohibited from the roadway.
According to the operators, the main reason for the ban on motorbikes was safety concerns, with the roadway restricted only to traffic with four wheels or more.
“The Nairobi Expressway is designed for motorised traffic only, making it unsafe for pedestrians and motorcycles. Access is intentionally restricted to minimise the risk of serious incidents.”
🚨Safety is our top priority. The Nairobi Expressway is designed for motorized traffic only, making it unsafe for pedestrians and motorcycles. Access is strictly limited to four-wheeled vehicles and above. #MOJAExpressway #NairobiExpressway #comfort #convenience #connectivity pic.twitter.com/6CynyQ1DVj
— MOJA Expressway Company (@mojaexpressway) February 4, 2026
MOJA Expressway thinks that prohibiting motorcycle use on the busy highway reduces motorcyclists’ exposure to extreme danger due to speed differences and short stopping distances.
Another critical factor that makes the expressway impractical for motorbikes is the absence of safe shoulders or escape lanes.
This increases the likelihood that an incident will result in severe injuries to a rider.
The motorcycle ban is based on a Gazette Notice dated December 31, 2020. The notice was issued ahead of the road’s completion and eventual commissioning.
It’s worth mentioning that not just boda boda operators are barred from using the expressway; operators block any traffic that isn’t four-wheeled and above.
This comprises bicycles, tuk-tuks, handcarts, skateboarders, and pedestrians.
This decision follows global highway safety standards, which restrict expressways to vehicles which are capable of maintaining consistent high speeds and offering sufficient protection of their occupants.
Despite the strict restrictions, there have been rare and exceptional moments when motorcycles have been spotted on the expressway.
ALSO READ:
- “Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
- Ruto CSs Make Flurry Of Appointments As Attorney General Picks Governor Kilonzo
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
One of the more notable instances took place during the national mourning period for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in October 2025.
At the time, ahead of the arrival of the former PM’s body, hundreds of boda boda operators flocked to the expressway in a bid to get to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to catch a glimpse of the fallen politician.
Since such instances were exceptional and unplanned, MOJA Expressway had little option but to accommodate the events that were unfolding.
On the issue of bans on the expressway, it also happens that four-wheelers and above can also get restrictions on accessing the highway under several unique circumstances.
EXPLAINER: Why Boda Bodas Are Banned From Nairobi’s Multi-Billion Highway
