Govt threatens to ban boda boda operations for flouting coronavirus restrictions

The Government has issued a strong warning to boda boda operators for flouting regulations set in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus in Kenya.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government had noted “with serious concern” that boda boda riders were not following the directive to carry one passenger as well as put on masks.

CS Kagwe further noted that boda bodas are the ones being used to flout movement restrictions into and out of designated areas of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi.

“Let me remind you that we will not hesitate to introduce stiff measures in this regard. We therefore encourage all compliant operators to compel their colleagues to observe the already set measures in order to protect the businesses that will be messed up by those who don’t observe the law,” said Kagwe.

The Health CS warned that should boda bodas continue with the notorious habits the government would not only ban operations for the rogue riders, but the whole sector.

“So boda boda operators, you have been told again and again that these are the measures that are supposed to be observed and unfortunately when you close a sector you don’t close it and say ‘only the bad people will lose business.’ Everyone will lose business. In this regard, you are your brother’s keeper. Ensure the next boda boda is obeying the law,” cautioned Kagwe.

He, however, noted that a good number of Kenyans were now adhering to the various precautionary measures set in place to stem the spread of the virus.