A fierce debate has erupted across Kenya after Makau Mutua, a senior advisor to President William Ruto, proposed a blanket ban on boda bodas in the country’s major cities and towns, describing the motorcycle taxi industry as a breeding ground for “chaos, illegality and indiscipline.”
Mutua made the comments on Thursday, July 17, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he lamented the current state of urban transport and the overwhelming presence of boda bodas in urban centers.
“I am convinced that ALL boda boda should be banned from the streets of ALL Kenya’s major cities and towns,” Mutua posted. “No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely unacceptable.”
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The statement has sparked an avalanche of reactions, with Kenyans divided over whether the move would restore order or cause more harm than good to millions who depend on the informal transport sector.
Lifeline or Liability?
Boda bodas are a critical mode of transport in Kenya’s urban and rural areas alike. They provide quick, accessible rides where matatus or buses cannot reach — and serve as a crucial source of income for hundreds of thousands of young Kenyans.
Despite their importance, the sector has come under repeated scrutiny for rampant traffic violations, frequent involvement in road accidents, and occasional links to petty crime.
In December 2024, a report named pedestrians and boda boda riders as the leading victims of road crashes in Kenya. Statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in March 2025 revealed that 1,139 people died in road accidents in the first quarter alone — with 420 pedestrians and 301 motorcyclists among the fatalities.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of deaths, with 138 lives lost between January and March 2025.
Mixed Reactions from Kenyans
Mutua’s proposal drew swift backlash online, with some branding the remarks as elitist and disconnected from Kenya’s socioeconomic realities.
“That’s over a 1 billion economy providing millions of jobs directly and indirectly,” replied X user Makau F. Mully. “Don’t advise President Ruto on how to fail. Without industries, the economy thrives on the informal sector.”
Others, like user @Katya_Natures, warned against overregulation, noting: “You can’t legislate away economic problems. Banning boda bodas from our roads won’t solve the deeper issues — in fact, it risks creating even greater chaos.”
Another user, Krak, turned his criticism to Parliament: “I have been wondering if we have laws in our country for these riders. Our parliamentarians are simply sleeping on their job completely.”
Still, some agreed with Mutua’s tough stance.
“I actually fully support this. Coincidentally, majority of that chaos is fueled by riders from Luo Nyanza anyway,” said George Njoroge in a controversial comment that sparked its own backlash. “Let’s be honest, I doubt Baba would ever back this kind of order. His political base strongly lacks discipline; disorder is their brand.”
Others cited personal experiences navigating city streets. “In Nairobi, when crossing roads, you have to be careful to avoid being hit by a boda guy on the wrong lane — such a struggle,” said user Iconic Joji.
A Political Gamble?
The issue places the Ruto administration in a tight spot. During the 2022 campaign season, the Kenya Kwanza coalition heavily courted the boda boda sector, promising more support, investment, and formalization.
Mutua’s remarks now appear to contradict that messaging, with some accusing the government of betrayal.
“The government you are serving promised to support boda boda. Kicking them out is betrayal, Prof,” said user Michael Mulongo Sikuku Namunyu.
With rising concerns over road safety, traffic congestion, and law enforcement challenges, the debate over the future of boda bodas in Kenya’s cities is far from over.
For now, no official policy has been announced — but Mutua’s statement may indicate a looming policy discussion at the highest levels of government. Whether that leads to reform, regulation, or restriction remains to be seen.