Nakuru boda boda operators cry foul over harassment by county askaris

Boda bodas parked along Kenyatta avenue in Nakuru city.
Boda boda operators in Nakuru have accused county enforcement officers of harassing them and treating them unfairly over parking fee requirements.
According to Stephen Mwanda, spokesperson for the Boda Boda Association Nakuru County, the problem stems from discrepancies in the monthly parking fees charged in different sub-counties.
"In Nakuru Town East and Nakuru Town West, Boda boda riders pay Sh300 per month, while those in other sub-counties are charged Sh200. Problems arise when a rider from another sub-county enters the city centre. Enforcement officers often demand extra money, claiming the rider has not paid the full amount, without considering the fee structure of their home sub-county,” Mr Mwanda says.
He also highlighted issues with the county's digital payment system.
“After paying digitally, one sometimes experiences delays in receiving a receipt. During that period, the only proof available is the mobile money message, but officers often dismiss this and accuse riders of non-payment,” he says.
Boda Boda riders also argue that the current system is punitive for operators who temporarily leave the business.
“Someone may not have operated for two or three months, yet the arrears are carried forward and they are expected to pay the full amount. We suggest Boda bodas be allowed to pay fees like vehicles do, per use rather than monthly,” Mr Mwanda says.
These concerns were raised in the Nakuru County Assembly by Hassan Duale, a nominated MCA, who requested a statement from the Chairperson of the Sectoral Committee on Finance regarding the ‘escalating incidents of harassment and disorder’ involving Boda boda operators.
Duale noted that reports of harassment had been received from Nakuru Town East, Nakuru Town West, Bahati and Naivasha sub-counties. The Assembly is expected to respond within seven days.