During the exercise, boda boda operators were specifically urged to observe passenger safety requirements and avoid carrying excess passengers or luggage.
Police also emphasised the importance of wearing protective gear, obtaining valid licences and ensuring motorcycles have the required insurance cover.
Other issues addressed included:
- The importance of wearing seat belts by motorists and passengers.
- Avoiding drunk driving and reckless riding.
- Observing traffic regulations to prevent accidents.
- Reporting road accidents promptly to relevant authorities.
- Ensuring motorcycles and other vehicles have valid insurance and the necessary licences.
Although the latest exercise focused on public education, it comes amid continued efforts by the government to improve compliance within the motorcycle transport sector.
What the Law Requires of Boda Boda Operators
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Motorcycles) Regulations, 2015, provide specific requirements for commercial motorcycle operators.
Under the regulations, motorcycle owners must provide protective helmets and reflective jackets for both riders and passengers.
Commercial motorcycle taxis must also have valid third-party public service vehicle insurance, while riders must possess valid driving licences for the relevant motorcycle class.
The regulations further restrict a motorcycle taxi to carrying one passenger at a time, making overloading a violation of the safety requirements.
These provisions are intended to protect both riders and passengers, particularly given the vulnerability of motorcycle users in road accidents.
Rising Motorcycle Accident Deaths Raise Concern
The renewed police campaign comes against the backdrop of worrying statistics on motorcycle-related road fatalities in Kenya.
Data reported by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) showed that 1,148 motorcyclists died in road accidents in 2025, compared to 1,055 in 2024.
The number of pillion passengers killed also increased from 375 in 2024 to 432 in 2025.
The figures point to the growing road safety challenges facing the boda boda industry, which remains an important source of employment and transport for millions of Kenyans.
In April 2026, the National Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya also launched a nationwide road safety sensitisation programme, calling on riders to undergo formal training and acquire the necessary driving licences.
The association attributed some of the accidents to inadequate riding skills and failure to observe traffic regulations.
Police Give Kenyans Channels to Report Traffic Violations
The National Police Service has urged members of the public to continue reporting motorists and riders who violate traffic regulations.
According to the service, Kenyans can report such incidents to any police officer or visit the nearest police station.
The public can also use the following emergency and reporting channels:
- 999 or 911: National emergency toll-free numbers.
- 0800 722 203: #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free reporting line.
- 0709 570 000: DCI WhatsApp reporting number.
The police reiterated their commitment to promoting responsible road use through continued public education and enforcement of traffic laws.
The latest exercise is part of wider efforts to address road safety concerns by engaging motorists, passengers and motorcycle operators before preventable accidents occur.
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