New Rules for TukTuks and Bodas

New Rules for TukTuks and Bodas

New Rules for TukTuks and Bodas

With a specific focus on boda bodas and tuk-tuks, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has introduced a bill in Parliament to simplify the transportation industry.The County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Board must be established in each County, according to the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill of 2023.

All matters pertaining to the boda boda transportation industry inside the county must be regulated, managed, and coordinated by the board.

The senator notes in his legislation that “the main goal of this Bill is to establish a legal framework to regulate the use of motorcycles (boda bodas) in Kenya by introducing new provisions for their registration, operation, and safety at the county level.”The board’s duties will include establishing designated lanes and parking areas for delivery motorcycles.

Boda Boda

Several of the legislation’s recommendations include; A rider is not allowed to purposefully transport someone who wants to commit a  crime. A rider is not permitted to drive against the flow of traffic. A rider cannot own a bike with a capacity of more than 2500 cc without a permit. Riders who are determined to have violated the law by riding on the sidewalk or the  pavement or by riding on a one-way street in the opposite direction of the traffic flow shall be fined Ksh20,000,  imprisoned for six months, or both. Any rider who is found guilty of taking part in ganging up against other  motorcyclists would be subject to a fine of Ksh100,000, one year in jail, or both.

“A person who contravenes any provision of these Act and whose penalty is not provided for elsewhere under this Act commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or, both,” reads part of the bill.

The measure also aims to require all motorcycle dealers in the nation to offer bikes equipped with two helmets and two reflective jackets that adhere to KEBS regulations.The bill forbids riders from transporting illegal items, including illegal drugs.

A violation will also be committed by anyone boarding a boda without a helmet or reflective clothing.They will also be forbidden from getting on a motorcycle that is pulling a load that weighs more than 50 kg.Additionally, loads that are wider than the handlebars by more than 15 cm or taller than two meters are not permitted to be transported on motorcycles.”A motorcycle rider shall not carry a load that extends rearward more than sixty centimeters beyond the maximum overall length of the motorbike. Part of the law states, “The rear extremity of the load shall be clearly indicated by a conspicuous red marking during the day and by a red light during the night.

Tuk-tuk

The measure also calls for the restriction of passenger capacity to three on all three-wheel motorcycles.The measure also states that riders must have permission before using or operating a three-wheeled rickshaw with an engine larger than 2000 cc on a public road.Part of the bill states, “Every passenger in a three-wheeled motorcycle shall wear a seatbelt whenever being carried, and shall not board or be carried on a motorcycle that has already been loaded with the maximum number of passengers prescribed.”