By Eddah Waithaka
The Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) has strongly condemned the recently introduced Senate Bodaboda Bill, calling it a punitive and exclusionary move that threatens the livelihoods of millions of operators across the country.
The association has criticized the government for drafting and tabling the bill without meaningful public participation from the bodaboda sector, a key stakeholder in Kenya’s transport industry.
In a statement issued today, BAK emphasized that the proposed legislation fails to address the real challenges facing the industry and instead imposes measures that could cripple the sector.
The association argued that lawmakers must develop any legislation affecting the bodaboda industry through full consultation with operators to ensure it reflects the sector’s realities and needs.
“As key stakeholders in the transport sector, bodaboda operators play a crucial role in Kenya’s economy by providing affordable and accessible transport solutions to millions of Kenyans,” the statement read. “However, lawmakers drafted and tabled this proposed bill without incorporating the voices and concerns of bodaboda operators, making it both unfair and impractical.”
BAK has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill and called for a transparent and inclusive process that involves bodaboda representatives, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. The association urged the government to engage in open dialogue to craft policies that enhance safety, order, and economic growth without unfairly targeting hardworking operators.
The association also reiterated its commitment to promoting road safety, discipline, and professionalism within the bodaboda industry. However, it warned that failure to address their concerns would leave them with no option but to mobilize nationwide demonstrations to defend their rights and protect their industry.
Read More On : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/uasu-calls-for-immediate-action-to-save-uon/
“We call upon the Parliament to reconsider this ill-conceived bill and instead work with us to develop a legal framework that truly supports the sector,” the statement continued. “We urge all bodaboda operators across the country to remain vigilant and stand united in rejecting this oppressive legislation. Our voices must be heard, and our rights must be respected.”
The bodaboda industry, which employs millions of Kenyans, has become a critical pillar of the country’s transport system, providing last-mile connectivity in both urban and rural areas. BAK’s strong stance against the bill highlights the growing tension between the government and the sector, with operators demanding greater inclusion in policy-making processes that directly impact their livelihoods.
As the debate over the bill intensifies, all eyes are now on Parliament to see whether it will heed BAK’s call for dialogue or risk facing widespread protests from an industry that has become a lifeline for many Kenyans.
Read More Stories On: https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
