The 12-member task force on policy, legal and administrative reforms regarding public motorcycle transport in the country has 60 days to execute its mandate/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 22 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and his Transport counterpart James Macharia have gazetted a task force meant to introduce reforms among boda-boda operators.
The 12-member task force on policy, legal and administrative reforms regarding public motorcycle transport in the country has 60 days to execute its mandate.
They will among other duties examine the existing policy, institutional, legislative and administrative systems governing public service motorcycle sector.
They are also required to compile comprehensive data regarding safety, reliability, cost and other matters of interest to consumers.
CS Matiangi has decried the lawlessness usually portrayed by the operators who know no rules and easily take the law into their hands when provoked.
“We love the operators of boda-bodas; they are wonderful young people and we understand that this is an industry that provides employment, but we want to teach them to live in an orderly manner because that is how they will succeed. There will be no two ways about it. They too, have to follow the law,” CS Matiangi said.
Recent statistics by the National Transport Safety Authority show a rising trend of deaths caused or involving boda-boda operators.
Nairobi County authorities have been for months trying to restore order within the city, efforts that have only resulted in a hide and seek game as a determined lot of motorcycle operators defy their orders to vacate the Central Business District (CBD).
In defence, the operators say they only want to earn a living in a country where the cost of living has hit the brim and unemployment levels have gone of control.
With the establishment of the task force, they hope a middle ground can be found, where sanity prevails even as they continue with business.
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