How can individuals oppose unfavorable government decisions effectively? Is it through lobbying, protesting, or striking?
In Kenya, protests and strikes are often powerful tools used to push back against government actions.
Kenyan boda boda riders, who are commercial motorcycle operators, have resisted a government attempt to regulate their sector. The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, introduced by Senator Bonny Khalwale, was presented to the National Assembly last Wednesday.
The bill includes requirements for boda boda riders to register their vehicles, install trackers, formalize contracts between owners and riders, and address common disputes within the sector. This move comes after a tragic incident where a boda boda rider was allegedly murdered by their employer.
While the aim of the bill is to enhance safety and regulate the sector, the Boda Boda Association of Kenya has threatened to strike. They believe certain provisions in the bill are impractical and could jeopardize their livelihoods.
Despite the potential impact on the three million riders who rely on this work, the regulations aim to address public safety concerns associated with boda boda operations, which have been linked to various crimes in the past.
Regulating motorcycles is a common practice in Africa, with countries like Rwanda successfully implementing similar measures to reduce crime. Kenya’s proposed regulations not only target public safety concerns but also have implications for the tech sector, particularly food delivery services that utilize boda boda riders.