The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has announced plans to roll out a nationwide registration of all operators to tame the escalating cases of motorbike theft and insecurity.
Bake national chairman Kevin Mubadi said the registration will form a comprehensive information management system containing details of all riders, registration number of their bikes and areas of operation.
He said the registration will help the public report any stolen motorbike to authorities.
“Motorbike theft is a matter of national concern because it is happening everywhere. We have teamed up with the government to come up with an information management system for all operators," Mubadi said.
He spoke during a Watu Boda Boda Clinic in Voi, Taita Taveta county.
Mubadi said boda boda theft is a serious menace that has been severely impacting the livelihoods of riders in the country.
Cases of motorbike theft and killing of boda boda riders have been on the rise, especially in Taita Taveta county, in the recent past.
Last month, three riders were killed by unknown assailants in separate cases in Voi, Maungu and Mwatate at night. The attackers escaped with the motorcycles.
He said the association will collaborate with the police to eliminate criminal activities within the sector and empower riders with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
“The safety and security of our members are paramount. This collaboration will help reduce theft incidents while improving our working relationship with the police,” Mubadi said.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime said the safety and security of boda boda operators requires a multi-sectoral approach.
He said the partnership will strengthen the county's efforts to combat boda boda theft.
Mwadime emphasised the need to protect riders livelihoods and ensure swift justice for theft victims.
“Boda boda is a fundamental sector, which has enormously contributed to rapid economic growth and improvement of access to critical services at manageable costs," he said.
The boda boda sector supports more than 1.2 million individuals in accessing employment opportunities, transporting goods and providing essential services.
During the event, Watu Credit, a leading provider of asset financing for boda boda operators was tasked to lead the safety efforts by working with partners to deploy multiple approaches to combat the surge in motorbike theft.
The partnership will include the deployment of advanced tracking systems and security devices in motorcycles and community policing in collaboration with stage chairpersons.
Other measures include increased police patrols in theft-prone areas to deter criminal activities and the establishment of a rapid response team to handle theft incidents promptly.
Watu Credit county manager Erick Massawe said Bake will conduct regular safety awareness campaigns to encourage residents and riders to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“We are dedicated to helping them safeguard their assets as part of our after-sale service. This collaboration is a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for all riders," he said.
Voi subbounty police commander Ibrahim Deffala said they will double police patrols in high-risk areas to tackle the menace.
He said police will also focus on apprehending perpetrators by relying on data from witness accounts from boda boda stage chairpersons.
“This partnership enables us to strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat heinous acts. We will work closely with the association leadership to bring sanity," Deffala said.
