The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has set a target of reducing road fatalities by 50 per cent by 2028, as motorists and boda boda riders in Kwale County call for urgent measures to make roads safer.
NTSA Board Chairman Khatib Mwashetani said the authority would address concerns raised by riders, including difficulties accessing driving licenses and NTSA services.
He urged boda boda riders to register through Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) under the Boda Boda Management System (BMS), saying the system would enable authorities to obtain accurate data on riders and motorcycles and improve safety interventions.
“Boda boda is a business and it is work,” Mwashetani said, noting that the sector provides employment and income for many young people.
Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) Kwale Chairman Mahmud Rajab Mwanyumba said lack of appropriate driving licenses remained a major challenge, with some riders operating without licenses or holding licenses for the wrong category.
He also raised concerns over motorcycle insurance costs and called for affordable and transparent insurance premiums.
Mwanyumba further called for improved relations between riders and police, saying some unlicensed riders avoid reporting accidents for fear of arrest.
“If I do not have a license, does that give you permission to hit me?” he asked, urging authorities to ensure riders can seek justice when involved in crashes.
He called for the installation of speed bumps along dangerous sections of the Ukunda-Diani and Beach roads.
Ukunda Boda Boda Chairman Rashid Salim Bora identified the stretch from Ibiza through Blue Jay to Markaz as particularly dangerous due to inadequate speed bumps, road signs and pedestrian crossings.
“People have died at Ibiza, Msikiti Nuru, Kona ya Musa, Diani Market and Romika,” Bora said.
Hamisi Mwero, popularly known as Nayonayo, supported calls for improved road infrastructure but urged authorities to install warning signs ahead of speed bumps to prevent accidents.
Meanwhile, Base Commander Mwanahamisi Sheria urged riders to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking and overlapping while ensuring they possess valid licenses, insurance, helmets and reflective gear.
She also cautioned tuk-tuk operators against carrying excess passengers, noting that the vehicles are licensed to carry a maximum of three passengers.
NTSA Coast Region Head Douglas Nyagwoka said achieving the 2028 target would require a change in behaviour among all road users.
“Safety starts with me,” Nyagwoka said, urging riders, drivers, passengers and pedestrians to play their part in reducing road deaths.
He warned riders against operating motorcycles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and discouraged motorcycle modifications such as loud exhausts, excessive lights and altered indicators.
By Chari Suche
