Digital Boda Boda Riders and Deliveries Association of Kenya have petitioned the parliament of Kenya seeking to be legally recognised.

In their petition that was communicated to the house by National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, they are also seeking for protection of their personnel.

The Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge had received the petition from the Chairperson of the Digital Boda Boda Riders and Deliveries Association Calvince Okumu on September 13, 2024.

Boda boda riders’ grievances

They have decried unfair classification, lopsided contracts, oppressive pricing formulas, unfavourable working conditions, arbitrary administrative action, data protection violations and lack of recognition.

According to the online riders, the digital platforms that they use to get their customers to charge exuberant commissions which exceed the 18% that is recommended for the sector.

“The riders have decried the lack of government oversight over the operators and the lack thereof of a legal framework under which the boda boda riders can be recognised and protected by the labour laws,” Wetang’ula told the MPs in his communication.

MPs’ assurance

Following the petition, the MPs have promised their support for the sector, vowing to come up with a legal framework that will regulate the online tax-hailing apps.

Lang’ata constituency MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o stated that the petition touches on the issues affecting online taxi drivers as well, thus the need for regulation.

“This petition affects most of our residents across the entire country. It not only touches on Boda-boda riders but also taxi drivers using these e-hailing apps. It is high time that the industry is regulated. The riders and drivers need the opportunity to negotiate with the owners of these companies.”

Harassment of boda boda riders

The lawmakers also argued that a section of the companies that own the online taxi platforms have been harassing their members.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie noted that the riders and taxi drivers have long been suffering with regular strikes being witnessed in the country.

“We need to shine a light on how the share of profits is done between the companies that develop these technologies and the actual riders who bought these motorcycles and do the actual work.

“Should we continue to work with the unregulated technologies, we may end up enslaving our people. This is perpetuating an extractive economy akin to the colonial times where our sweat was exported to the benefits of the colonial master,” Kiarie stated.