Kenyans Slam Makau Mutua Over Call to Ban Tuk-Tuks, Boda Bodas in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-18 20:30 EAT. Kenyans have fiercely criticised Presidential Advisor Makau Mutua after he suggested on social media that tuk-tuks and boda bodas should be banned from Nairobi’s streets, calling them unsafe and aesthetically unfit for the capital

The Latest

• On Thursday, Mutua posted on X (formerly Twitter) that tuk-tuks were “pathetic contraptions” that spoil Nairobi’s image.

• He has also previously claimed that boda bodas cause traffic chaos and ruin the “visual order” of major towns

• The comments triggered an online backlash, with Kenyans accusing him of insulting millions of low-income workers.

Context in Brief

• Tuk-tuks and boda bodas are central to Kenya’s informal transport sector, providing cheap mobility and employment to thousands of riders.

• President William Ruto has repeatedly pledged to empower informal workers under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)

• Proposals to ban boda bodas from towns have surfaced before, but Ruto has publicly dismissed such bans, insisting the sector needs regulation, not removal【

Voices and Stakeholders

• Makau Mutua, Presidential Advisor:

  “Tuk-tuks are pathetic contraptions. They must be banned from Nairobi.” (X post, 2025-09-18)

• Citizen Responses:

  “What happened to Bottom-Up? Respect every hustle; those are the people keeping the system running.” (X user, 2025-09-18)

• Policy Analysts: Argue that banning informal transport without providing alternatives would hurt the urban poorand contradict BETA goals.

Evidence & Data

• Nairobi hosts tens of thousands of boda bodas and tuk-tuks operating daily in CBD and estates.

• The sector contributes billions to urban mobility and logistics annually.

• Road accidents involving motorcycles, however, remain a top cause of urban injuries (NTSA 2025 data).

Risks and Implications

• Urban Planning vs. Livelihoods: Ban could disrupt informal employment and raise transport costs.

• Political Fallout: Mutua’s remarks risk alienating the hustler economy base that Ruto champions.

• Public Safety: Legitimate concerns remain about accidents and traffic regulation gaps.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether the government plans any formal policy on boda bodas or tuk-tuks in major cities.

• If Mutua’s comments reflect personal opinion or emerging policy direction.

• How boda boda associations and informal transport unions will respond.

What to Watch

• Upcoming Transport Ministry statements on urban mobility plans.

• Reactions from boda boda SACCOs, tuk-tuk associations and Nairobi County Government.

• Whether President Ruto addresses the controversy directly.