Digital riders seek legal protections, fair treatment

Transport CS Davis Chirchir (left) receives a petition from Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association head Calvince Okumu in Nairobi. [Emmanuel Kipchumba]

Digital boda-boda riders now want the government to enact laws that will allow them receive fair treatment in the industry.

The riders have already petitioned the Parliament, ministries of transport and labor for intervention.

Calvince Okumu, the chairperson of Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association argues that there is lack of legal framework that regulates the sector.

This he said has exposed them to exploitation and harassment from different stakeholders.

"The current legal framework does not address the digital riding sector, leaving riders exposed to exploitation," said Okumu.

Adding that, "We urgently call for amendments to the NTSA Regulations 2022 and the Public Transport Bill 2023, specifically on the Motorcycle Regulation, Senate Bill No. 38, to incorporate protections for digital riders,"

The riders, in their petition received by the clerk of National Assembly, wants the enactment of legislation that recognise digital riders as a unique sector of the transport industry.

At the same time they appealed to the National Assembly to Introduce oversight mechanisms for online apps that will ensure fair treatment and protections for riders.

In their petition to the ministry of transport and labor, they raised concern on the lack of labor protections and oversight of Transport Network Companies.

"We want formal recognition of digital riders under labor laws, and for the government to impose oversight measures to ensure fair wages and working conditions," said Okumu.

The riders complained on the harassment by local authorities and lack of safe spaces for riders in county government of Nairobi.

"We demand that the Nairobi county government collaborate with rider organizations to create policies that protect riders and designate safe parking and waiting areas for riders," said Okumu.

The riders accused some companies owning the Apps of unfair pricing formulas, and arbitrary account deactivations.

On the other hand, they flagged others of misclassification of riders, unfair terms of service, and inadequate data protection.

While they accused others of oppressive pay structure, unsafe promotional activities, and inadequate complaint handling.

"The digital riding subsector is a vital component of Kenya's transport infrastructure and employment landscape. However, without legal recognition and protections, riders remain vulnerable to exploitation," he said.