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

The issued notice has raised concerns from motorists who claim not to understand the regulations and require further explanation and time.

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

Speaking on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Nanyuki town during a one-on-one meeting, the Laikipia East Boda Boda Forum Chairman, Wambugu Wagura, stated that the municipality did not use the right channels to deliver the notice.

“We have an association that has over three hundred boda boda riders operating around Nanyuki. Using government cartels to issue such an important notice is a total joke. We want our association, which has an elected office, respected,” Wagura stated.

He called upon the municipality and involved officers to simplify the notice, stating that most of the motorists do not understand some of the terms. He also emphasised that the regulations do not sound genuine and that there is a rumour to replace petrol bodas with electric bodas.

“We are not against the regulations, but again we do not understand them. Some of us are boda boda riders for a reason, and we need some simplification. Most members are calling me to get more information about decibels, and I also cannot give clear feedback. Let it not be a way to eliminate petrol bodas because there is that rumour.”

Operators warn against manipulation

The forum Secretary General, Lucky Collins, said that it is a bad habit to use boda boda riders as a campaign asset. He stated that many of the motorists are young people who can be easily manipulated. He condemned any politician who would think of manipulating them.

“In 2022, we had so many motorists arrested in the name of such regulations and later released in the mercy of a few politicians. We are warning all politicians to keep off the association as we head to 2027. We are serious businessmen and contribute equally to the welfare of the county,” said Lucky.

Some of the boda boda operators who were present expressed their anger at the regulations, claiming that most of the altered bikes are private bikes. They also complained about the dead street lights that push them to use extra lights on their bikes for safety at night.

“These regulations are just a threat to us, and we are not even the culprits. They should deal with the private bikes because it is very difficult for me to modify a bike that carries more than five different people a day,” said Charles Gichuki.

“Telling me to remove a light that I bought with my own money for my safety is disrespectful. If we have to remove the lights, then let the county provide proper street lighting. This is a smart town and should be treated as one.”

The meeting disrupted the normal operations of the boda boda riders. They promised that if the right channels are used and the municipality takes time to explain the rules to them, they will work with all stakeholders to ensure safety and peace across the town.

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 aims to restore order in the town, reduce noise pollution, improve road safety, and curb the growing use of illegally modified vehicles that have increasingly become a nuisance to residents and businesses.