The Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya has formally petitioned the National Assembly, seeking the enactment of laws to regulate the digital boda sector and protect riders from exploitation. Led by Chairman Calvince Okumu, members of the association presented their concerns to Samuel Njoroge, the Clerk of the National Assembly, calling for legislative reforms to address the challenges digital riders face in their daily operations.
The association’s key demand is the review of the NTSA (Transport Network, Owners, Drivers, and Passengers) Regulations, which currently exclude motorcycles from key protections afforded to other vehicles. They are pushing for motorcycles to be recognized under these regulations to ensure digital boda riders receive legal safeguards.
Additionally, the petition calls for amendments to the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023 (Senate Bill No. 38), emphasizing the need to include provisions that protect digital riders, who are a growing part of Kenya’s transport sector. Mr. Okumu pointed out that the absence of specific laws governing digital riders has left them vulnerable to exploitation by Transport Network Companies (TNCs).
“While the Boda-Boda Regulations of 2015 exist, they do not cover the digital component, leaving riders in a precarious situation,” Okumu stated. “The current legal framework fails to recognize the unique challenges faced by digital riders.”
The association’s petition seeks the introduction of fair regulations on issues such as pricing, commissions, and contract terms with TNCs. They also advocate for legal provisions to protect the rights of digital riders, including data privacy and labor rights as gig workers.
Receiving the petition, Clerk Samuel Njoroge acknowledged the association’s right to approach Parliament under Article 119 of the Constitution, which allows individuals or groups to petition Parliament on matters within its legislative scope.
