Africa-Press – Kenya. The Matatu Owners Association and the Boda Boda Association have clashed over an impending strike set to disrupt operations on Monday. While MOA insists the strike will proceed, the Boda Boda Association is calling for dialogue.
MOA president Albert Karakacha told the Star on Sunday that the strike is necessary to compel the government to act against increasing cases of boda boda impunity.
“We must put measures on boda bodas because they are not following the law. So far, 15 matatus have been torched across the country,” he said. Karakacha said the government must compensate owners for destroyed vehicles, some worth more than Sh7 million.
He said repeated engagement with officials since November has been ignored, leaving the sector with no option but to escalate the matter to the President.
“The sector must be regulated like the matatu industry if order and road safety are to be maintained,” he said, adding that matatus rank fourth in road accidents, while boda bodas lead.
Boda Boda Safety Association national chairman Kevin Mubadi said a strike is unnecessary. He argued that dialogue should be prioritised, warning that matatus striking could lose business while boda bodas fill the transport gap.
Mubadi said poor driving cuts across both sectors and distanced his members from a recent Juja Road incident in which a matatu was torched, attributing damage to a mob. He urged authorities to hold the culprits accountable.
Recent reforms in the boda boda sector aim to formalise operations and enhance safety. Riders must have unique registration numbers, join registered Saccos, wear uniform and comply with licensing, insurance and safety requirements. Chairmen at each stage are accountable for rider conduct.
The boda boda sector employs over one million people, operates about 1.8 million active motorcycles, and contributes nearly Sh700 billion annually—about 3.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.
