The Officer Commanding Mtwapa police station (OCS) Chris Nyamawi alongside other local administrators including the area chief and assistant chief yesterday held highly focused security engagements with bodaboda operators within Mtwapa township as a move to improve security in the area and regulate the bodaboda sector.
The sensitization meetings took place at Kwa Chief stage, Mzambarauni stage and National Bank stage and focused on key issues affecting the bodaboda sector and the importance of working closely with security agencies in combating crime.
During the meetings the police emphasized on the crucial role the bodaboda play in community policing and urged them to share information and report suspicious activities to improve safety and security.
The OCS also reminded the riders to always remain security sensitive while conducting their duties as part of the road safety measures.
He also ordered all bodaboda operators to register and display their unique identification numbers to make it easier to distinguish legitimate operators from those operating outside the law.
Under the new framework, each registered rider will be linked to a designated stage and issued with a unique identification.
Nyamawi noted the registration drive is intended to streamline operations and improve the traceability of riders.
“The absence of a clear identification system has made it difficult for authorities to monitor activities within the sector, raising concerns over safety for both residents and the riders,” he noted.
The move came following raised concerns over the emergence of a new crime targeting boda boda riders.
The bodaboda officials thanked the OCS for organizing the meeting and pledged their commitment to complying with the matters discussed.
The exercise seeks to formalise a sector that has long operated with minimal regulation despite its central role in transport across the narrow streets of the historic Mtwapa town.
