PS Omollo Hints at Boda Boda Ban in Nairobi CBD to Restore Order
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has said boda bodas may soon be banned from operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) as the government moves to regulate the sector and bring order to the city.
Speaking on TV on September 16, 2025, Omollo said while boda bodas are crucial in Kenya’s transport network, their presence in the city centre was no longer tenable.
“Within the CBD of Nairobi, I don’t see any need for us to have boda bodas there, but in the residences or out of town, they play a big role,” Omollo said.
The PS added that consultations are underway with stakeholders to determine how and when the ban will take effect. He clarified that the move was not to undermine the operators but to balance their economic contribution and the need for safety and order in the city.
“We are already talking on when boda bodas will be removed from the CBD. I cannot give a timeline because it will depend on when we bring everybody to the table and agree on how to do that,” he said.
Boda bodas have become a main mode of transport in Kenya, especially in urban and rural areas, due to their speed, affordability and accessibility. However, their operations in Nairobi’s CBD have been contentious. Critics point to traffic indiscipline, security concerns and congestion as reasons to regulate or restrict their presence in the city centre.
Omollo said the government will not impose a decision but will instead go for a consultative process. This will involve county officials, transport sector stakeholders and boda boda riders’ representatives to ensure the final decision is inclusive and practical.
His remarks come as Nairobi authorities are trying to decongest the CBD which has been struggling with chaotic traffic for years. The lack of clear regulations for boda bodas in the city has often led to conflicts with other road users and enforcement agencies.
By giving operators a chance to participate in the process, Omollo has given boda boda associations a window to shape their future in the city. The outcome of these talks will determine how Kenya balances urban order with the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the sector.
Also Read: Chaos Erupts as Teachers Queue for Hours to Get Cash After Ruto State House Meeting
PS Omollo Hints at Boda Boda Ban in Nairobi CBD to Restore Order