NTSA Sets 50 Percent Cut in Road Deaths as Boda Boda Riders Demand Safer Roads

By Caroline Katana

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has set a target of reducing road fatalities by 50 per cent by 2028.

This follows its nationwide road safety campaign with boda boda operators in Kwale County calling for urgent action on dangerous roads, licensing and insurance challenges and gaps in enforcement.

The exercise was launched in Kwale County on Monday, August 24, 2026 and is expected to move to all the counties bringing together NTSA officials, police, boda boda and tuk-tuk operators to address the causes of road crashes and improve compliance among road users.

NTSA board chairman Khatib Mwashetani said the decision to begin the exercise in the county was deliberate with the campaign expected to proceed to Mombasa, the wider coastal region, and other parts of the country.

According to the chairman the authority had listened to the concerns raised by boda boda operators and would examine areas where it could support them, particularly in accessing licences and NTSA services.

He said some NTSA services in Kwale have been affected by inadequate equipment and pledged to push for the necessary facilities to ensure residents can access services closer to home.

Mwashetani also urged boda boda operators to organise themselves through registered SACCOs under the Boda Boda Management System (BMS) saying proper organisation would give authorities reliable data on riders, motorcycles and operating stages.

The chairman said the system would make it easier to identify riders who require training and the appropriate driving licences while enabling authorities to plan safety interventions based on accurate information.

He encouraged riders to stop viewing NTSA officers as adversaries and instead approach them with their concerns.

“We want to help you, but the question is how do we help you?” he posed urging operators to work with the authority to resolve challenges affecting the sector.

He said the boda boda sector has grown into a legitimate and important business, providing employment and income for many young people.

According to him the rapidly expanding sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economic growth and should therefore be supported to operate safely and professionally.

“Boda boda is a business and it is work.”

Kwale Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) chairman Mahmud Rajab Mwanyumba said riders continued to face challenges that require the government intervention.

He identified lack of appropriate driving licences as one of the biggest problems facing boda boda operators in the county.

The chairman said many riders operate without licences, while others possess driving licences but not the category required to operate motorcycles.

He described the situation as a “chronic problem” and called for regular road safety sensitisation to improve compliance.

Mwanyumba also raised concerns over insurance alleging that riders are sometimes charged different amounts for similar motorcycle insurance policies.

He called for authorities to examine the pricing practices and make insurance affordable enough for operators to obtain valid cover.

The BAK boss said poor relations between some riders and police also complicate road safety enforcement.

He said riders who lack proper documentation sometimes fear reporting accidents because they worry that they will themselves be arrested or prosecuted.

Mwanyumba questioned whether a rider’s lack of a licence should prevent them from seeking justice after being hit by another vehicle.

“If I do not have a licence, does that give you permission to hit me?” he asked.

He said some injured riders have ended up with permanent disabilities after failing to report accidents or pursue their cases because of fear and lack of documentation.

Mwanyumba also raised concerns over motorcycles acquired through loans, saying some lenders seek to repossess motorcycles while their owners are still in hospital following accidents.

He asked authorities to consider safeguards requiring the genuine owner to be present before a motorcycle held at a police station is released to a lender.

He further questioned the operation of roadblocks, saying riders sometimes encounter enforcement points where several motorcycles are stopped and money is demanded.

Mwanyumba urged authorities to clarify the role of roadblocks and distinguish them from ordinary traffic enforcement.

On road infrastructure, he called for speed bumps along dangerous sections of the Ukunda-Diani and Beach roads.

Rashid Salim Bora, bodaboda chairman Ukunda, said the section from Ibiza through Blue Jay towards Markaz was particularly dangerous because it lacks adequate speed bumps, road signs, and pedestrian crossings.

He cited Ibiza, Msikiti Nuru, Kona ya Musa Diani Market and Romika as areas where several accidents have occurred.

“People have died at Ibiza, Msikiti Nuru,Kona ya Musa, Diani Market and Romika,” he said calling for urgent intervention.

He said the road carries heavy traffic and requires safety measures to protect boda boda riders, motorists and pedestrians.

Hamisi Mwero, popularly known as Nayonayo, supported the call for improved road infrastructure but warned that speed bumps must be installed with proper warning signs.

He said motorists and riders can be caught unaware when bumps are installed without advance notice.

“Before a bump is installed, there should be warning signs,” Mwero said.

He also called for improvements to the narrow Ukunda road, saying congestion and limited road space increase the risk of crashes.

Mwero urged authorities to consider lowering the cost of motorcycle and tuk-tuk licences and making insurance more affordable so that more operators can comply with the law.

The Base Commander Mwanahamisi Sheria said road safety ultimately depends on individual behaviour, warning riders against reckless overtaking, overlapping and speeding.

She said boda boda riders remain among those most affected by road crashes, but noted that rider behaviour is also a major contributor to accidents.

The commander said riders must have valid driving licences, insurance, helmets and reflective gear and should use the equipment consistently.

She also cautioned tuk-tuk operators against carrying excess passengers, saying a three-wheeler is licensed to carry a maximum of three passengers.

She warned that an extra passenger may not be covered by insurance, potentially leaving the operator personally responsible in the event of an accident.

The Base Commander also explained the process followed when vehicles are involved in crashes, following concerns from boda boda leaders over vehicles being released after accidents.

She said vehicles are inspected and accident files investigated before decisions are made, while fatal cases require further review involving the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“There is no way someone will die and we fail to follow up. It is only that the process takes time,” she said.

The commander further urged motorists to observe speed limits in built-up areas, saying pedestrians, schoolchildren and other vulnerable road users are particularly exposed when vehicles travel at high speed.

NTSA Coast Region head Douglas Nyagwoka said the authority’s target of reducing fatalities by half by 2028 would require a fundamental change in behaviour among road users.

Douglas warned against riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs and urged operators to maintain their motorcycles and tuk-tuks in safe condition.

He said boda boda riders are among the road users most affected by crashes, while reckless riding remains a major contributor to accidents.

He also urged operators to comply with licensing, insurance and training requirements, saying road safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone.