The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, also known as the Boda Boda Bill, is set to proceed to the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure after Members of Parliament voted against a request to withdraw it.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who sponsored Senate Bill No. 38 of 2023, had formally requested its withdrawal, citing widespread public outcry over some of its proposed regulations.
Despite his appeal, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula ruled that the Bill would move forward after a majority vote rejected the withdrawal request.
“The Nays have it, so the Bill will now proceed to second reading at an appropriate time,” Speaker Wetang’ula declared following the vote.
Originally passed by the Senate on December 4, 2024, the Bill was introduced in the National Assembly on March 7, 2025 for its First Reading. It now proceeds to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, where it will undergo public participation before entering the Second Reading phase as per Standing Order 127(5).
In an earlier communication to the House on April 22, Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed the Senate’s formal request to discontinue further consideration of the legislation.
“Honourable Members, if you recall, the Bill from the Senator for Kakamega seeks to introduce regulation and bring order to the boda boda sector.
He has since written to this House requesting its withdrawal, despite the Bill having already passed through the Senate,” he stated.
The proposed legislation aims to create a county-level regulatory framework to govern the booming motorcycle transport sector, which has grown rapidly but remains largely unregulated. Among its provisions, the Bill includes:
Mandatory registration of boda boda riders by respective county boards, with cross-county recognition of the registration.
Training requirements, including instruction in safe and defensive riding, traffic laws, customer care, emergency handling, basic motorcycle maintenance, and security awareness.
Licensing conditions, requiring all commercial riders to hold a valid driving or provisional licence and a valid employment contract.
Safety equipment regulations, mandating motorcycle owners to issue two helmets and two reflective jackets per bike, compliant with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) specifications.
While the Bill has sparked debate and faced resistance from various stakeholders particularly from boda boda operators concerned about stricter enforcement supporters argue that it is a necessary step toward improving safety, professionalism, and accountability in the sector.
The public participation process will provide an opportunity for citizens, especially those in the motorcycle transport business, to voice their views on the Bill before it advances to further legislative stages.
