The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a digital system to identify and track boda boda riders across the country as the government steps up efforts to regulate the motorcycle transport sector and address concerns over crimes involving motorcycle operators.
NTSA Assistant Director of Road Safety Programmes Samuel Musumba said on Thursday, November 5, that the Boda Boda Management System (BMS) would help authorities identify riders, establish their operating areas and improve accountability.
The platform is designed to capture information about riders, their designated operating zones, drop-off points and motorcycle stages, making it easier to trace operators when incidents or disputes arise.
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“Recently, we rolled out the Boda Boda Management System to onboard all these riders to where they operate, drop-off zones and their stations,” Musumba said.
He explained that the system would also help authorities establish motorcycle ownership and trace motorcycles reported stolen, strengthening accountability within the sector.
Nairobi begins implementing rider identification measures
Musumba said the system was already being implemented in Nairobi, where riders operating in different areas were being identified through distinct colours on their reflector jackets.
“Quite a number are now getting onboarded; for example, in Nairobi, you realise that your rider may be dressed differently in different colour codes. For example, a Lang’ata rider has a different colour coat from a rider in Waiyaki Way,” he said.
The authority is also working with county governments to ensure that riders are registered under recognised Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and operate from designated stages.
Musumba said specialised enforcement units had been established in counties to check whether riders were registered under SACCOs and complied with the agreed operating arrangements.
He maintained that the initiative was intended to bring order to the sector rather than punish motorcycle operators.
“The whole idea is not punishment but regulation. If we do not do that, then we will be running a lawless system,” he stated.
System expected to help address motorcycle theft
The digital platform is also expected to support efforts to address motorcycle theft by making it easier for SACCOs and relevant authorities to identify riders and verify motorcycle ownership, particularly when disputes arise.
The reforms form part of broader recommendations by a task force established by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The task force proposed measures including rider training and the organisation of operators into SACCOs to strengthen leadership, improve accountability and encourage responsible conduct.
NTSA's latest initiative seeks to improve oversight of the boda boda industry by linking rider identification with designated operating areas and recognised transport groups. Its effectiveness will depend on the registration process, cooperation with county governments and consistent enforcement across the country.