Governor Nassir Hosts Bodaboda Leaders from 30 Wards in Welfare Consultations

By Feddy Madebe

Mombasa, Kenya – Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir convened a consultative forum with motorcycle taxi operators’ leadership representing all 30 county wards to address welfare concerns and explore collaborative strategies for improving their operations.

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The engagement session brought together bodaboda representatives from across the coastal city in a structured dialogue aimed at finding practical solutions to challenges facing the sector while strengthening the working relationship between operators and county administration.

Sector Critical to City’s Economy

During the meeting, Governor Nassir acknowledged the vital role motorcycle taxis play in Mombasa’s transport network and their significance as a livelihood source for thousands of families who depend on the industry.

“The bodaboda sector remains a critical source of livelihoods for thousands of families and an important part of our city’s mobility ecosystem,” the Governor stated, emphasizing the administration’s recognition of the sector’s economic importance.

The consultations focused on multiple dimensions affecting bodaboda operations, including safety protocols, regulatory frameworks, operational coordination, and pathways for sustainable sector growth.

Governor Nassir committed his administration to partnering with operators in promoting safety standards, maintaining order in operations, upholding dignity of work for riders, and fostering conditions that enable the industry to thrive responsibly.

County Government’s Collaborative Approach

The forum was attended by County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance Dan Manyala, whose department oversees regulatory matters affecting motorcycle taxi operations within the county.

CECM Manyala’s presence signaled the county government’s intention to maintain ongoing engagement with the bodaboda community rather than implementing top-down policies without operator input.

The consultative approach represents a shift toward inclusive governance, where stakeholders directly affected by regulations participate in formulating policies and operational guidelines.

Addressing Urban Mobility Challenges

Bodaboda operators have become integral to Mombasa’s transportation system, filling gaps in public transit coverage and providing affordable, flexible mobility options for residents navigating the city’s congested roads.

However, the sector has faced challenges including safety concerns, traffic violations, territorial disputes among operators, and tensions with other road users. The county government seeks to address these issues through structured engagement rather than punitive measures alone.

Governor Nassir framed the consultations as part of broader efforts to develop “people-centred solutions for a safer, more inclusive Mombasa,” indicating that operator welfare and public safety considerations would be balanced in policy decisions.

Next Steps

The meeting represents the opening phase of what county officials describe as an ongoing dialogue process. Participants exchanged ideas on practical interventions that could improve working conditions while ensuring responsible operations that respect traffic regulations and public safety.

Specific proposals discussed during the consultations are expected to be refined through follow-up technical sessions involving county transport officials and bodaboda association representatives before implementation.

The bodaboda community leadership expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present their concerns directly to the county’s top leadership, viewing the engagement as recognition of their legitimate stake in urban governance decisions affecting their livelihoods.

As Mombasa continues urbanizing and facing increasing pressure on its transport infrastructure, integrating informal transport operators like bodaboda riders into formal planning processes could prove essential for managing the city’s complex mobility challenges while protecting the welfare of those who depend on the sector for survival.

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