Boda boda operators in Homa Bay County have raised concerns over the rise in motorcycle thefts saying the trend threatened their livelihoods and the general business climate in the area.
They said the menace was exposing them to heavy financial losses and called on security agencies and members of the public to cooperate to curb the menace.
The operators say cases of stolen motorcycles have become disturbingly frequent in recent months, forcing many riders to change their working routines and remain constantly alert while carrying out their daily business.
For many families that rely on boda boda transport as their main source of income, losing a motorcycle means losing the only means of earning a living.
Speaking during a meeting with boda boda operators in Homa Bay Sub-county, the Chairman of the Homa Bay Sub-county Boda Boda Association, Richard Opiyo, said the association has received numerous reports of motorcycles being stolen in different parking locations.
According to Opiyo, thieves have become increasingly bold, targeting motorcycles parked outside businesses, shopping centres, hospitals, schools and other public places.
“We have received many reports of motorcycle theft in Homa Bay Sub-county. Criminals are stealing motorcycles that have been parked in different places. Today, boda boda riders cannot comfortably park their motorcycles anywhere because they fear they will be stolen,” said Opiyo.
He noted that the increasing thefts has created fear among operators, many of whom now avoid leaving their motorcycles unattended even for a few minutes.
Opiyo particularly expressed concern over institutions such as hospitals and schools, where riders are often required to leave their motorcycles outside before entering the premises. He said such areas have become vulnerable because operators have limited control over the safety of their motorcycles.
“We are calling for enhanced security in the region, especially in places such as hospitals and schools where boda boda riders are not allowed to enter with their motorcycles. These areas should have proper security arrangements to protect our property,” added.
The chairman urged security officers to intensify patrols in areas that have been identified as theft hotspots and ensure those involved in motorcycle theft are arrested and prosecuted.
Motorcycle transport remains one of the largest informal employment sectors in Homa Bay County, providing jobs to thousands of young people. Most riders use loans or personal savings to acquire motorcycles, making theft not only an emotional loss but also a serious financial burden.
The Secretary of the Homa Bay Sub-county Boda Boda Association, Collins Okoth, described motorcycle theft as one of the biggest challenges currently facing operators.
According to Okoth, many boda boda riders depend entirely on their motorcycles to support their families by paying school fees, buying food and meeting other household expenses.
“Motorcycle theft has become a serious issue in our county. Most boda boda riders depend on their motorcycles to earn a living. When a motorcycle is stolen, the owner loses their only source of income,” said Okoth.
He explained that fear of theft has forced many riders to reduce their working hours, affecting their daily earnings.
“Many operators now choose to go home earlier than they used to because they fear their motorcycles may be stolen, especially during the evening or at night. This has reduced their income and affected their families,” he added.
Okoth encouraged all boda boda operators to register their motorcycles and keep proper ownership records, saying registration would make it easier for authorities to identify and recover stolen motorcycles.
“I urge every boda boda rider to register their motorcycle and ensure all ownership documents are in order. Proper registration can help security officers trace stolen motorcycles and identify their owners,” he said.
He also appealed to riders to install additional security devices like trackers and remain vigilant whenever parking their motorcycles.
Some operators who have experienced the fear of losing their motorcycles say the situation has changed the way they conduct business.
Boda boda rider David Juma said many operators now work under constant fear, worrying that their motorcycles could disappear at any moment.
“Today we work in fear because motorcycle theft has become common. Every rider worries that their motorcycle could be stolen while they are serving customers or attending to other duties,” said Juma.
He warned those involved in stealing motorcycles that they would eventually face the full force of the law.
“Anyone found stealing motorcycles should face the law. Criminals should know that these motorcycles are our source of livelihood, and stealing them ruins families.” He said.
Juma further appealed to security agencies to strengthen surveillance across Homa Bay County to restore confidence among boda boda operators.
“We are calling upon the government and security officers to maintain security throughout Homa Bay County so that boda boda riders can work without fear,” he added.
Residents have also expressed concern over the rising incidents, noting that motorcycle theft affects not only operators but also passengers who rely on boda boda services for transport to hospitals, schools, markets and other destinations.
The boda boda sector plays a significant role in Homa Bay County’s economy by providing affordable transport while creating employment opportunities for thousands of youths. However, riders say the continued theft of motorcycles threatens the sustainability of the sector.
Operators are now urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police. They say cooperation between residents, security officers and boda boda associations will be critical in identifying criminal networks involved in motorcycle theft.
The riders also appealed to county authorities and private institutions to improve security around parking areas by installing surveillance cameras, employing security personnel and creating designated secure parking spaces for motorcycles.
As concerns continue to grow, boda boda operators hope that increased security patrols, proper registration of motorcycles and stronger collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies will help reduce theft cases and protect the livelihoods of thousands of families that depend on the boda boda business in Homa Bay County.
By Shanel Kwamboka and Davis Langat.
