Boda boda industry requires regulation

In developed economies, regulatory frameworks for important sectors like transport are well defined and the equivalent of matatu systems in places like the UK and Germany are functional.

Ordinarily, the use of motorcycles, which have become an integral part of Kenya's transport network, should be a key concern.

The motor bikes, popularly referred to as boda boda, are popular because most users find them affordable, convenient and flexible. You can walk out of the comfort of your home and catch a ride to the nearest urban centre in just a few minutes.

The terrain and roads may be poor, but the riders always find ways to surmount such challenges.

Despite the positive sentiments, the industry's growth has come with a heavy price. Many of the riders have little regard for traffic laws.

They have become a law unto themselves and are now competing with the matatu industry for the unenviable title of 'worst behaved on the roads'. 

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Some riders do not wear safety helmets or vests and carry more than the stipulated number of passengers. And it is not uncommon to find them using the wrong side of the road.

The dysfunctional manner in which this sector is operating has led to injuries and loss of life.

Hospitals across the country even have special orthopaedic wards to deal with the growing number of injuries from motor bike accidents. The situation is out of hand.

Most of these accidents could be avoided with the introduction of proper regulation and enforcement of the law.

The Government must restore sanity to the industry and seek mechanisms to ensure that the riders are properly trained and are adhering to traffic laws.

It would also be prudent to mandate county governments to register and regulate operators to weed out the criminals who have infiltrated the industry.

Unemployment may be a ticking time bomb that the motor bikes are helping to address, but allowing the boda boda industry to continue to thrive in total chaos without enforcing laws and regulations is a sure recipe for disaster.