PS Raymond Omollo hints at plans to kick out boda boda from Nairobi CBD
By Kiprono Keileb, September 16, 2025Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has signalled that boda bodas may soon be barred from operating within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), citing ongoing discussions on how to regulate the sector.
Speaking on the matter during a talk show aired by a local television station on Sunday, September 16, 2025, Omollo said the government was keen on ensuring order in the city centre, even as it acknowledged the important role played by boda bodas in other areas.
“Within the CBD of Nairobi, I don’t see any need for us to have boda bodas there, but in the residences or out of town, they play a huge role,” Omollo stated.
The PS emphasised that consultations are already underway with different stakeholders to determine how and when the changes will be implemented. He explained that the move was not about completely sidelining riders, but about striking a balance between their economic contribution and the need for order and safety in Nairobi.
Ongoing consultations
“We are already having conversations on when boda bodas will be removed from CBD. I cannot give a timeline because it will depend on when we bring everybody to the table and agree on how to do that,” he added.
Bodas have become a key mode of transport in Kenya’s urban and rural areas, offering fast and affordable transportation for millions of people. However, their presence in Nairobi’s CBD has been the subject of heated debate, with critics pointing to congestion, traffic indiscipline, and security concerns.
Omollo maintained that the government would not rush into imposing a unilateral directive, insisting that the process will be consultative. The decision, he said, would only be made once all parties, including county officials, transport stakeholders, and rider representatives, reach a consensus.
His remarks come as city authorities continue to grapple with efforts to decongest Nairobi’s CBD and restore order on its busy streets. For years, boda bodas have operated within the city without clear restrictions, often clashing with traffic regulations and sparking calls for tighter regulation.
Omollo’s assurance that the process will involve dialogue offers boda boda operators a chance to voice their concerns and participate in shaping the future of their trade in the capital.