The Mombasa County Government has embarked on a phased programme to formalise the boda boda industry, with Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir announcing plans to train and license thousands of riders as part of efforts to improve road safety, strengthen livelihoods and grow one of the county's biggest informal economic sector.
Speaking during the issuance of driving licences and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to 1,300 boda boda operators at Tononoka Grounds, Nassir said the initiative marks the first phase of a wider programme targeting about 3,000 riders already identified by sector leaders.
He said the county would gradually roll out similar training to motorcycle delivery riders before extending the programme to matatu and tuk-tuk operators.
"This is phase one. We have about 3,000 names, but no college can take all of you at once. We will continue training until everyone is covered," the governor said.
Nassir noted that the boda boda industry has become a critical driver of Mombasa's economy and pledged continued investment in the sector through skills development, affordable financing and empowerment initiatives.
To support the programme, the governor announced plans to establish revolving funds for riders and engage financial institutions to explore fairer motorcycle financing arrangements after concerns were raised over high interest rates charged by some lenders.
He also donated 13 motorcycles to boda boda groups, saying the bikes were purchased using his personal resources together with contributions from friends and not county government funds. The motorcycles will be insured for one year.
County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance Daniel Manyala said the county is home to about 30,000 boda boda operators who collectively contribute an estimated KSh25 million to the local economy every day, translating to roughly KSh9 billion annually.
Despite the sector's economic contribution, Manyala expressed concern over road safety, revealing that 30 boda boda-related deaths were recorded in Mombasa last year, including 18 riders and 12 passengers. He added that another 220 people sustained critical injuries in motorcycle crashes.
According to the county, public hospitals spent approximately KSh45 million treating boda boda crash victims during the same period.
Manyala further disclosed that nearly 8,000 boda boda riders in Mombasa are still operating without valid driving licences, underscoring the need for continued licensing and training.
As part of the reforms, Nassir also appointed six boda boda riders to serve in the county inspectorate, saying their experience within the industry would help strengthen coordination and enforcement.
He urged riders to embrace professionalism, lawful conduct and continuous training, describing the boda boda sector as an important source of employment that deserves greater investment and recognition.
