The Growing Importance of Boda Bodas in Kenya

Boda bodas have become the backbone of Kenya’s informal transport sector, providing fast, affordable mobility where public transport is limited or unreliable. However, the sector faces serious challenges:

• High accident rates: Boda bodas are often labeled “death traps” due to reckless riding and poor safety standards
• Lack of formal regulation: This leads to inconsistent licensing, insurance, and rider training
• Increasing criminal activities: Public safety concerns linked to unregulated operators

Recognizing these issues, the government has enacted new laws and regulations to bring order, safety, and accountability to boda boda operations.

Overview of the New Boda Boda Laws and Regulations

The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023

This landmark Bill aims to regulate boda bodas comprehensively by:

Regulation Area	Requirement
County Oversight	Establishing County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Boards for registration and licensing
Registration	All commercial motorcycle operators must register with county boards and obtain valid licenses
Technology	GPS tracking devices required for real-time monitoring
Safety Gear	KEBS-approved helmets and reflective jackets mandatory for riders and passengers
Organization	Cooperative society membership required for all operators

Key Safety and Operational Requirements for Boda Boda Riders

Licensing and Training

• Riders must hold a valid driving or provisional license specific to motorcycles
• The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reduced licensing fees from KSh 15,000 to KSh 3,000 to encourage formalization
• Mandatory training covers safe riding, traffic laws, customer care, and emergency response

Safety Gear

• Riders must be issued two KEBS-approved helmets and two reflective jackets by motorcycle owners
• Passengers must also wear helmets and reflective jackets
• Special provisions regulate carrying children under certain ages safely

Passenger and Load Limits

Prohibited Practices and Penalties

Violation	Penalty
Riding on pavements or pedestrian walkways	Fines up to KSh 20,000 or six months imprisonment
Riding against traffic	Fines and jail terms
Unauthorized parking	Fines and jail terms
Gang intimidation or harassment	Fines up to KSh 100,000 or one year imprisonment

Speed Limits

New speed limits set at:

• 30 km/h in residential and school zones
• 80 km/h on highways

Enforcement will be strengthened with speed guns and patrols, although many motorcycles lack speedometers.

Insurance Requirements for Boda Boda Riders

Insurance is a critical component of the new boda boda laws, designed to protect riders, passengers, and third parties.

Insurance Type	Coverage	Cost (KSh)	Status
Third Party Only (TPO)	Covers injuries or property damage to third parties	From 3,000/year	Mandatory
Passenger Legal Liability (PLL)	Covers legal claims from passenger injury or death	About 500/year	Mandatory for passenger carriers
Personal Accident (PA)	Compensation for rider injuries, disability, or death	From 500/year	Optional but recommended

Third Party Only (TPO) Insurance

• The minimum legal requirement for all boda boda riders
• Covers injuries or property damage caused to third parties but excludes rider injuries or bike damage
• Affordable premiums start at around KSh 3,000 per year for PSV motorcycles

Passenger Legal Liability (PLL) Insurance

• Covers legal claims arising from passenger injury or death
• Mandatory for boda bodas carrying passengers
• Available as an add-on costing about KSh 500 per year

Personal Accident (PA) Cover

• Optional but highly recommended
• Provides compensation for rider injuries, disability, or death
• Starts from KSh 500 per year, covering medical bills, disability benefits, and funeral expenses

How Step By Step Insurance Helps You Comply and Stay Protected

Navigating boda boda laws and insurance requirements can be complex, but Step By Step Insurance makes it simple and affordable:

Contact Step By Step Insurance today at +254 (0) 729 712 200 or +254 (0) 716 534 192 or visit our Get a Quote page to secure your boda boda insurance and ride legally and confidently.

The Role of County Governments and Cooperatives

Counties are empowered to tailor regulations to local needs, including:

• Issuing