A report by the Interior Ministry has exposed how criminal elements have infiltrated the boda boda sector across the country to cause havoc.
This is contained in Jukwaa la Usalama report released by the Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen at State House on Tuesday.
The report says that while boda boda operators serve as essential service providers in many urban centres and rural trading hubs, rapid growth with minimal regulation has led to disorder, lawlessness and increasing insecurity.
This has been linked to unregistered and unidentified riders due to weak enforcement of transport laws and insufficient accountability mechanisms.
The counties flagged as having boda boda crimes include Kisii, Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, Kisumu, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Migori, Kiambu and Nairobi.
According to the report, criminal elements have infiltrated the sector, exploiting the anonymity of unregistered operators to carry out robberies, transport stolen goods and engage in political violence.
The report has raised concerns that in some areas, unregistered groups have evolved into informal cartels that intimidate residents, transport stolen goods, or shelter criminals from arrest.
The report, however, acknowledges that formal boda boda associations have played a significant role in sharing information with security agencies.
In Kisii, for instance, it was established that a group of boda boda riders have organised themselves into a gang used by political leaders.
"The gang operates an illegal detention centre used for torturing rival boda boda groups and political rivals. They also run an extortion ring and commit murder," the report states.
In Jukwaa la usalama forums, it was established that boda bodas in border counties such as Busia are frequently used in cross-border criminal activities involving nationals from both countries.
In Busia and Kakamega, boda boda operators have been implicated in ferrying illicit brews and contraband from Uganda.
In Nairobi county, boda boda riders face accusations of violating traffic rules, engaging in violence, and participating in theft.
"Across several counties, boda boda operators have been both enablers of community policing and participants in criminal activities," the report says.
The report says the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and county governments are working to ensure all operators register under SACCOs and are assigned specific operating areas.
This is in an effort to optimise the sector's economic contribution while maintaining law and order.
SACCO leadership will also be required to enforce discipline and report rogue operators to authorities.
"Additionally, modalities are being explored to incorporate SACCO leaders into community policing to enhance responsibility and facilitate intelligence gathering."
Similarly, criminal elements masquerading as boda boda operators will be prosecuted to protect the sector's reputation and safeguard the public.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forums were conducted between April 7 and October 2 2025.
The forums were part of a national effort to strengthen both security and service delivery through inclusive public participation.
