NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has initiated a major security operation to tackle the infiltration of criminal gangs within the expansive bodaboda sector, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (EAT). The move follows rising concerns over organized crime, including arson and violent attacks, being carried out under the cover of the motorcycle taxi industry.

Speaking after a security briefing with regional commanders, Murkomen stated that intelligence reports have identified a disturbing trend, particularly in Nairobi, Nyanza, and Western Kenya, where criminal elements are posing as operators to commit serious crimes. “We have observed a disturbing pattern... where criminals are increasingly using the bodaboda sector as a cover to commit crimes,” Murkomen said, emphasizing that many incidents appear to be organized rather than spontaneous. The announcement signals a renewed attempt to regulate an industry that is both a critical economic driver and a persistent public safety challenge.

The bodaboda sector is a cornerstone of Kenya's informal economy, employing over two million licensed riders and contributing an estimated KSh 660 billion to the nation's GDP annually. Riders can earn an average of KSh 1,100 per day, making it a vital source of income for a predominantly youthful population. However, its rapid, largely unregulated growth has created significant problems. According to the National Crime Research Centre, the sector is increasingly associated with crime, traffic accidents, and a general culture of impunity. A 2018 report by the centre highlighted that bodabodas have been used in robberies, assaults, and even murders, with the anonymity of the industry making it difficult to trace perpetrators.

A Nationwide Vetting Exercise

In response, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and county governments, will conduct a nationwide audit and vetting of all bodaboda operators. This exercise aims to weed out criminals and restore order. “The bodaboda industry employs thousands of hardworking Kenyans... However, we will not allow rogue elements to tarnish its image or compromise public safety,” Murkomen affirmed. The operation will specifically target unregistered and unlicensed groups that have been linked to coordinated violence.

This is not the first attempt to sanitize the sector. A similar crackdown in 2022 followed a public uproar over the assault of a female motorist, leading to the arrest of hundreds of riders and the registration of thousands more. However, enforcement has remained a persistent challenge. Previous efforts have often been hampered by weak enforcement, corruption, and political interference.

New Regulations and Legislative Efforts

The government's latest initiative is backed by several new and proposed regulations aimed at formalizing the industry. The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, for instance, proposes giving county governments greater power to regulate the sector through local boards responsible for registration, licensing, and route management. Penalties for non-compliance could include fines up to KSh 20,000 or six months in prison.

Furthermore, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced reforms such as reducing licensing fees to encourage formalization and imposing stricter speed limits. Under new rules, all riders must belong to a registered Sacco, possess a certificate of good conduct, and have valid insurance. Kevin Mubadi, chairman of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, has expressed support for these measures, emphasizing that rogue elements are not representative of legitimate operators.

The Socio-Economic Dilemma

The crackdown presents a complex challenge for policymakers: balancing the urgent need for security with the economic realities of millions of Kenyans. The sector's accessibility has made it a default employer for many young people facing unemployment. Financial institutions like M-KOPA and Watu Credit have further fueled its growth by providing financing for motorcycles, integrating the sector into the digital economy. Any heavy-handed enforcement risks disrupting the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens.

CS Murkomen acknowledged this delicate balance, stating the operation is not a war against riders but against criminals hiding within their ranks. He urged bodaboda associations to collaborate with authorities to identify and report criminal infiltrators. The government's stated goal is to create a well-regulated, professional, and safe transport sector that can continue to support Kenya's economy without compromising public order. The success of this new crackdown will depend on sustained enforcement, multi-agency cooperation, and the willingness of the operators themselves to embrace formalization and self-regulation.