By Hyline Ocharo
From early morning, the roar of motorcycles fills the air across Kisii town.
At busy stages in places like Daraja Mbili and along the streets leading to Nyanchwa and Nyatieko, dozens of boda boda riders line up in reflective jackets, waiting for passengers.
Some jackets carry the names of politicians, businesses, and organizations—bright colors and bold slogans moving through the town as riders ferry people from markets to homes and offices.
For years, the reflectors have doubled as moving billboards, spreading campaign messages and brand names across the county.
But boda boda riders now say it is time they also benefited from the advertising carried on their backs.
The boda boda sector in Kisii County has introduced new regulations requiring individuals or groups issuing branded reflective jackets to riders to pay a fee.
Speaking during a meeting with boda boda riders from Nyaribari Masaba and Nyaribari Chache constituencies, Kisii County Boda Boda President Jared Onchari Oirere said those distributing branded reflectors—particularly politicians—will now be required to pay KSh 1,000 for each reflector issued.
“Anyone giving out reflectors, particularly politicians, must pay one thousand shillings for each reflector. These reflectors will only be used for a period of three months,” said Oirere.
He noted that boda boda riders travel widely across the county every day, making them effective advertising platforms.
“Our riders move across the county daily, and it is not fair for them to advertise people without receiving any benefit,” he added.
During the meeting, riders also raised concern about the increasing number of students joining the boda boda business while still in school. According to the riders, the trend risks affecting the students’ education and future prospects.
“Students should focus on their studies instead of joining the boda boda business at an early age,” one of the riders said during the discussions.
The sector also adopted a controversial rule requiring riders who have reached adulthood to be married. Leaders warned that those who fail to comply could face removal from boda boda stages.
In addition, the riders cautioned against the use of multicolored lights installed on some motorcycles.
According to the sector leadership, the decorative lights are contributing to road accidents, particularly at night when they can confuse other road users.
“Those using multicolored lights on their bikes should remove them because they can easily cause confusion and accidents on the road, particularly at night,” Oirere warned.
The new regulations, riders say, are meant to bring order and fairness to a sector that continues to provide livelihoods for thousands of young people across Kisii County.
