The Nanyuki town municipality has launched a crackdown on rogue motorists and boda boda operators who use modified exhausts and illegal vehicle lighting, aiming to reduce noise pollution and enhance public safety.

In a public notice issued by the Nanyuki Municipal Board, all vehicles with modified exhaust systems producing sound levels exceeding 84 decibels during acceleration are prohibited from operating within Nanyuki Municipality.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Nanyuki town during a sensitisation meeting, the municipality chairperson, Anthony Rukwaro, lamented the complaints they received from the public.

“Nanyuki has around 15 schools, around 10 hospitals, a lot of businesses and residential houses, and, not forgetting, the public and private offices. The complaints from the residents have been so loud, and action needed to be taken,” Rukwaro stated.

He called on all the motorists in the town to adhere to the rules and regulations, failure to which would result in penalties, fines and prosecution, adding that the regulation is for the safety of the boda-boda riders, their friends, families and the general public.

“Nanyuki town is a tourist town, and road discipline is one of the key things that maintains it. We shall work hand in hand with all stakeholders to ensure smooth operations in the town, and I am grateful the boda-boda people are ready to cooperate.

During the sensitisation, the deputy base commander, Phoebe Mtire, emphasised the importance of observing all traffic rules. Phoebe sensitised the motorist to the effects of the modified exhausters and lights.

“Many of the pedestrian accidents we have today come from those modified exhausters. You hoot, and you either annoy or frighten another road user. Another thing is the installed lights that easily affect other road users. We all have different eyesight intensity, and that is why there is a specific light installed across all motorbikes,” said Phoebe.

The directive will particularly affect some boda boda operators and private motorists who have fitted their motorbikes with loud exhaust systems and flashy lights, especially for night-time operations.

“We will, of course, give time for sensitisation and be available for any help. When the sensitisation is over, we shall not spare anyone who tries to go against the traffic rules and regulations.”

The motorist in the town received the regulation in a good way and promised to work with all the stakeholders to ensure safety and peace across the town.

“It is so unfortunate that we have been flagged as noise pollutants. We apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused. We also apologise on behalf of any motorist who caused trauma or pain to someone else. We are ready for change,” said the Nanyuki Bodaboda Association Chairman.

Nanyuki municipality cited Article 184 of the Constitution, the Urban Areas and Cities Act, the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) 1999, the Traffic Act (Cap 403) and National Transport and Safety Authority regulations.

The move seeks to restore order in the town, reducing noise pollution, improving road safety and curbing the growing use of illegally modified vehicles that have increasingly become a nuisance to residents and businesses.