The National Transport and Safety Authority has reaffirmed the commitment to bring sanity in the boda boda sector.
Key on the agenda is ensuring that all riders in the country are registered and belong to a Sacco.
The authority acknowledged that despite efforts being made to streamline the sector, there are still challenges even as the sector continues to grow exponentially.
Road Safety Strategy Manager Samuel Musumba said there are more than two million motorbikes registered in the country so far and the number is expected to grow as registration continues.
He, however, noted that majority of the riders in the sector are not well trained.
“Majority of them just acquired the bikes, went on the road and they are operating. Majority of them if they have any licenses, then they have the wrong licenses,” Musumba said.
“There's a bit of improvement now but we are pushing them into Saccos. Every boda boda rider in this country must now belong to a registered Sacco recognised by government,” he said.
Musumba said belonging to a Sacco will ensure existence of a structure with leadership making trainings and licensing process by NTSA more easier.
He further noted that through the Saccos, they can be able to help each other through empowerment projects.
The Saccos will also ensure the thorny issue of insecurity which has rocked the sector is addressed once for all. This, Musumba said, will be done in collaboration with the Interior ministry.
"A time is coming when if we find you on the road and you are not in any Sacco we will take action on you,” Musumba said.
He further said that through the Universal Health Coverage, only riders who belong to registered Saccos will have access to subsidised insurance cover.
In addition, benefitting from the various projects launched by President William Ruto such as Hustler Fund will require one to be in a Sacco.
“Even the many lending institutions are now giving out their money to people who are organised and we are telling them work with organised groups only,” Musumba said.
He said NTSA will continue working with county governments through the county transport and safety committees.
Some like the Nairobi county Transport Safety Committee of Nairobi has a representative from the boda boda sector.