Boda boda sector turning to ‘wayward militia’
The national government and county governments have failed in tame boda boda operators. It is a multi-million public transport sector that lacks clear policy framework and regulations at both levels of government
By Adieri Mulaa
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has threatened to withdraw services of public transport nationwide on Monday, February 2, to compel the National Government to stop growing incidents of lawlessness by boda boda operators.
While it sounds like a case of the pot calling the kettle black, operators in the multi-million boda boda sector are gradually turning into ‘wayward militias’, with reckless abandon and culture of impunity.
In the midst of chaos and discord in the public transport sector, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has never come out to address the growing challenges.
It has become a norm for boda boda operators to set ablaze vehicles that get involved in road accidents with boda boda riders. Several incidents have been reported in Nairobi and other regions, where boda boda operators gang up to participate in arson.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has failed to live to public expectation despite the glaring lawlessness exhibited by boda boda operators. Instead, the NTSA has specialized in knee-jerk approaches that do not bear sustainable solutions.
Equally, on this grave matter, the Traffic Police Department has been reduced to a talk shop television screens, with increased appetite for taking bribes on the roads.
On the other hand too, both the National Government and county governments lack clear-cut policies and regulations for boda boda operations.
This lacuna is exploited by political leaders who use hordes of boda boda operators to transport hired goons, armed with crude weapons to venues where executive their ‘political goals’.
Illegal use of boda boda riders has become prevalent in political activities, especially by State actors. It was significant during the nation-wide public protests against tax increments in the Finance Bill 2024, that were proposed by the Government.
More recently, the country witnessed the use of boda boda operators to ferry hired goons during by-elections in Kasipul and Malava constituencies, where mayhem was meted out to perceived opponents and vehicles torched.
Apparently, it is a matter of time before boda operators transform into a lawless outfit, complete with goons at beck and call, for organised gangster operations.
Nonetheless, successive governments right from President Daniel arap Moi’s regime have used matatu leadership and their fleets for political expediency.
Today, politicians use boda boda leadership and fleets of their operators more often, perpetuating inherent chaos in the two multi-billion vital public transport sectors.
While seeking re-election in 1997, Moi violated insurance policy provisions for passenger capacities in matatus. He allowed matatus and buses to carry excess passengers over and beyond the insured capacities.
Matatu leaders in Nairobi, under the patronage of Westlands MP Fred Gumo had fashioned themselves as the ruling party, KANU youth leaders, with an office at the Nairobi Country Bus Station, also known as Machakos Bus Station.
This association with the dictatorial KANU regime invited disorder in the up-country bus transport services and the matatu service providers.
Much later in 2007, while also seeking re-election like his predecessor, President Mwai Kibaki issued a directive to the traffic department, which effectively adulterated erstwhile strict Michuki Rules that had brought sanity and order in the public transport sector.
President Kibaki’s road-side decree was intended to woe the support of public transport operators. He allowed drivers and conductors to operate without uniforms and name tags which had their photos.
In the obtaining circumstances, Traffic Police Officers gradually relaxed their enforcement zeal. Having diluted rules to enforce, they opted to take bribes.
Eventually, chaos has visited the multi-billion public transport sector, with increased road carnage, injuries and fatalities being reported.
Transport Cabinet Secretary has advantage of the threats issued by Matatu Operators Association to call to order the two public transport operators.
It is the opportune time for him to spell out government policies and regulations to tame radical behaviours exhibited by operators in both sectors.
