Cutting road deaths by half within the next two years will require tougher action on dangerous roads and safer behaviour from all road users, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said.
The authority has set a target of reducing road fatalities by 50 per cent by 2028, with boda boda riders and motorists in Kwale County asking for urgent steps to address areas where frequent crashes have been reported.
NTSA Coast Region Head Douglas Nyagwoka said the target could only be achieved if drivers, riders, passengers and pedestrians took responsibility for their conduct on the roads.
“Safety starts with me,” Nyagwoka said.
He urged all road users to play their part in bringing down the number of deaths, while warning motorcycle riders against using their bikes after taking alcohol or drugs.
Nyagwoka also cautioned against altering motorcycles in ways that could affect safety. He specifically discouraged riders from fitting loud exhaust systems, excessive lights and modified indicators.
The concerns raised by riders in Kwale went beyond road behaviour, with licensing, insurance, policing and road infrastructure emerging as major issues affecting the sector.
NTSA Board Chairman Khatib Mwashetani said the authority would work to address difficulties faced by boda boda riders when applying for driving licences and accessing NTSA services.
He encouraged riders to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) and register under the Boda Boda Management System (BMS).
According to Mwashetani, the system would give authorities reliable information on riders and motorcycles, helping them put in place better safety measures.
“Boda boda is a business and it is work,” Mwashetani said, pointing to the role of the sector in providing jobs and a source of income for many young people.
Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) Kwale Chairman Mahmud Rajab Mwanyumba said licensing remained a major problem for riders.
He said some boda boda operators do not have driving licences, while others possess licences that are not valid for the category of motorcycle they operate.
Mwanyumba also appealed for changes in motorcycle insurance, saying premiums should be affordable and transparent for riders.
He said relations between police and boda boda operators also needed to improve, particularly because some unlicensed riders fear reporting crashes over possible arrest.
“If I do not have a license, does that give you permission to hit me?” he asked.
Mwanyumba called for riders to be allowed to report accidents and pursue justice even when they do not have the required licence. He also urged authorities to put speed bumps along dangerous sections of the Ukunda-Diani and Beach roads.
Ukunda Boda Boda Chairman Rashid Salim Bora named the road between Ibiza, Blue Jay and Markaz among the sections that require urgent attention.
Bora said the stretch has too few speed bumps, road signs and pedestrian crossings, putting riders and pedestrians at risk.
“People have died at Ibiza, Msikiti Nuru, Kona ya Musa, Diani Market and Romika,” Bora said.
Hamisi Mwero, popularly known as Nayonayo, agreed that more should be done to improve road infrastructure. However, he warned that speed bumps should be accompanied by clear warning signs so motorists and riders have enough time to slow down.
Base Commander Mwanahamisi Sheria separately urged boda boda riders to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking and overlapping.
She asked riders to ensure they have valid licences and insurance and use helmets and reflective gear while operating their motorcycles.
Sheria also warned tuk-tuk operators against carrying more passengers than allowed, saying the vehicles are licensed to carry a maximum of three passengers.
The riders' concerns come as NTSA seeks to meet its 2028 road safety target, with authorities stressing that improved infrastructure, responsible road use and better regulation will all be needed to reduce fatalities.