Syokimau Residents Association chairman Mohammed Ismael (R) addressing bodaboda operators during a security meeting at Syokimau police station in Machakos county on July 3, 2026.
Syokimau residents in Athi River, Machakos County, have raised concerns over rising insecurity in the estate and called for better organisation of bodaboda operations.
The residents, most of them homeowners and landlords in the area, attributed the concerns to what they described as disorganised bodaboda operations.
The Syokimau Residents Association on Thursday called for a security meeting with bodaboda operators aimed at introducing what they termed structured leadership in the sector.
“We had come to meet with bodaboda operators as a community. We are a structured and organized community. We have challenges with our bodaboda sector,” Syokimau Residents Association chairman Mohammed Ismael said.
Ismael spoke during an interview with The Star shortly after a meeting held at Syokimau Police Station grounds within the Athi River East Sub-County police command on Friday.
The meeting was attended by area police chiefs, Machakos County Government officials, community members, bodaboda officials, riders and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) representatives. About 300 bodaboda operators attended.
Ismael said a structured bodaboda sector would help improve security in Syokimau and surrounding areas. The estate borders Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Embakasi area, Nairobi County.
“We as an association called all bodaboda riders from our community so that we align them to our community values. I’m glad we had a successful meeting. We are structuring them in a way that we have an overall chairman for Syokimau bodaboda operators and leadership of all stages within the estate,” Ismael said.
He said the new structure would be implemented within the next three weeks.
Ismael said bodaboda operations in Syokimau affect residents’ security.
He alleged that some riders are involved in criminal activities.
Mavoko Sub-county Administrator Isaac Mutula said the Machakos County Government is committed to improving livelihoods of young people, including bodaboda operators.
Mutula highlighted programmes and projects initiated under Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration to support youth in Machakos County.
He urged young people to avoid crime and instead pursue lawful livelihoods.
Mutula also called on bodaboda operators to avoid tribalism and promote peaceful coexistence.
“As the County Government of Machakos, we recognize bodaboda as an important sector of the society. Governor Ndeti’s administration has seen it important to unite youth, organize them in groups and create saccos. The governor has continued giving the youth various support through the saccos,” Mutula said.
He called on leaders in the region to support bodaboda operators through existing structures.
Mlolongo-Syokimau Bodaboda Association chairman Alex Mutuku urged operators to unite and speak in one voice.
“We need to have one voice of leadership and a good structure,” Mutuku said.
Mutuku cautioned members against being politically misused, especially as the country heads towards elections.
He said a structured sector improves coordination, security and efficiency in their operations, including ferrying passengers and goods.
Mutuku encouraged operators to unite, join welfare groups and improve their livelihoods.
“Our main challenge is politicians who divide bodaboda operators as well as tribalism. I urge our members to shun tribalism. We are one family, do same jobs, with same challenges. We are 1700 registered bodaboda operators in Mlolongo-Syokimau ward,” Mutuku said.
