President William Ruto has directed the immediate release of boda boda motorcycles impounded across the country, stating that riders whose bikes are not tied to any criminal activity should have them returned within seven days. The move is aimed at supporting thousands of young people who rely on the sector for their daily income.
Highlights:
- President Ruto orders release of all non-criminally linked boda bodas.
- Riders to get their bikes back within a week.
- Interior Ministry and police ordered to coordinate the amnesty.
- Ruto calls boda boda operators “legitimate entrepreneurs”.
- Govt to support self-regulation in the sector.
Main Story:
In a bold move aimed at empowering hustlers at the grassroots, President William Ruto has issued a directive to release all impounded boda boda motorcycles not associated with any criminal offences. The order came during a meeting with industry stakeholders at State House Nairobi.
The President instructed the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all eligible motorcycles are returned to their owners within seven days.
While acknowledging concerns around safety and regulation, Ruto defended the boda boda community, saying they play a vital role in Kenya’s economy and deserve to be treated with dignity. “Boda boda riders are businesspeople. They are not thugs,” he declared.
President Ruto also emphasized the need for self-regulation within the sector, adding that the government will work with boda boda associations to develop a framework that promotes order, safety, and economic growth without criminalising riders.
The directive follows repeated complaints from boda boda operators who say their bikes are often impounded arbitrarily, leaving them jobless and in debt.
As the government backs boda boda riders with action and policy, the next chapter depends on whether the sector can organise itself and rise to the challenge.
