james wika 
- Bodaboda Association intensify efforts to tame rising theft in Kisumu County
Target syndicates operating at Uganda and Tanzania border points
Boda-boda Association of Kenya (BAK) has launched a coordinated initiative to combat the rising theft of motorbikes in the Nyanza region. BAK will lead the efforts by working with the partners including national Police to disrupt organized syndicates responsible for stealing the motorbikes in Kenya and smuggling them across the border into Uganda and Tanzania.
Speaking during an event in Kisumu, BAK President Kevin Mubadi expressed concern over the escalating number of motorbike thefts targeting boda-boda riders across the country. He noted a sharp rise in instances where criminals pose as customers to steal bikes. He emphasised the need for heightened security measures and community awareness programs to combat this issue.
“These motorbikes are our means of livelihood.Many of us have worked hard to buy them, and some of us have acquired them on loans. We must take every legal measure to protect our assets from these syndicates. The partnership with the police and Watu will enable us to respond swiftly to any theft attempts, safeguarding both property and lives,” Mr. Mubadi said.
“Watu is leading the charge in implementing advanced tracking systems and security devices for motorbikes. These technologies are essential for tracking stolen bikes and preventing future thefts,” Watu Regional Manager Kisumu Len Ogolla said.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo committed to strengthening the county’s efforts to combat and curb boda-boda theft and promised a swift response and action from the police.He equally cautioned boda-boda riders for abetting crimes and for endangering other road users.
“We will double police patrols in high-risk areas, improve investigation techniques, and focus on apprehending perpetrators by relying on first-hand witness accounts from boda-boda stage chairpersons throughout the region,” Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo Said.
The BAK initiative will include:
- Community policing in collaboration with stage chairpersons
- Increased police patrols in theft-prone areas to deter criminal activities
- The establishment of a rapid response team to handle theft incidents promptly.
Additionally, the County Boda-boda Association office will conduct regular safety sensitization seminars for the riders and promote community awareness campaigns to encourage residents and riders to support and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
