By Dorothy Musyoka
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, has officially received a petition from the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya, calling for legislation to regulate their sector and protect them from exploitative practices.
The petition was presented during a meeting held in Mr. Njoroge’s office, led by the Association’s Chairman, Mr. Calvince Okumu, who highlighted the critical challenges facing digital riders across the country.
The Association’s petition seeks a comprehensive review of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations specifically, the Transport Network, Owners, Drivers, and Passengers Regulations.
They propose that motorcycles, which are a key mode of transport within this sector, be included as protected vehicles under these regulations. This inclusion, they argue, would provide a legal framework to safeguard digital riders against unfair treatment.
“As a roadmap to address their challenges, the Association is seeking the review of the NTSA (Transport Network, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations to include motorcycles as vehicles protected under the regulations,” noted the national assembly.
Additionally, the petition calls for amendments to the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023 (Senate Bill No. 38), advocating for explicit protections and facilitation measures for digital riders. This would ensure that the unique needs and challenges of digital boda boda riders are addressed within Kenya’s legislative framework.
“They further want the amendment of the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023 (Senate Bill No. 38) to incorporate protections and facilitation of digital riders,” added the house.
During the meeting, Mr. Okumu and the Association members underscored the pressing issues facing their sector. They pointed out several challenges, including unfair working conditions, lack of legal protection, and oppressive practices by Transport Network Companies (TNCs).
While receiving the petition, Clerk Njoroge acknowledged the Association’s right to petition Parliament and assured them that their requests would be given due consideration by the House.