The rising tide of violence against boda boda operators across Kenya has sparked alarm within the transport sector.

Nehemiah Kinyua, the National Secretary General of Boda Boda Operators and Kwale Chairman, has expressed profound concern over the escalating killings and thefts targeting his members.

"We are deeply saddened by the increase in attacks on our members and the theft of their motorbikes.Despite our demonstrations and pleas for action, we have yet to see effective solutions to these grave issues," Mr Kinyua said.

Addressing the journalists in Kwale, Mr Kinyua said in late August alone, four(4) operators were killed in Voi, with another recent fatality in the same town.

The violence extends to Makindu, where three(3) operators were murdered and their bikes stolen.

Mr Kinyua said, a recent multi-agency operation recovered some of the stolen motorbikes, which were headed towards Tanzania via Namanga and Lunga Lunga.

"This indicates that many stolen motorbikes are smuggled into Tanzania for resale," he noted.

The situation has prompted boda boda operators to take proactive measures to protect their motorbikes and ensure their safety.

"We’ve learned that stolen bikes are often sold across the border," Mr Kinya said.

Adding that one suspect revealed that he sells stolen bikes to a contact in Loitoktok.

"We have provided this information to the police, who are currently investigating," he said.

To strengthen security, Mr Kinyua announced that operators will now install additional tracking devices on their motorbikes.

"While bike companies provide tracking systems, we believe managing our own trackers will allow us to respond more quickly to thefts," he explained.

The increase in violence is directly linked to the attempts by operators to protect their livelihood.

"Many of our members are killed because they resist thieves. Motorbikes are their primary source of income, and losing them is devastating," Kinyua said.

To address this, the boda boda association plans to introduce insurance for all motorbikes.

"With insurance, operators can flee when confronted by thieves, knowing that their bikes are covered. This should reduce the number of fatal encounters," he explained.

Recent statistics highlight the severity of the problem.

Makueni has reported six(6) deaths, Kitui four(4), Taita Taveta six(6), Emali two(2), and Isiolo around five(5).

Mr Kinyua urged Border Police to be vigilant, as stolen motorbikes are frequently smuggled out of the country.

"Our members are suffering, and we need immediate and effective action to curb these attacks and thefts. The boda boda community remains hopeful that increased vigilance and new measures will bring much-needed relief to the beleaguered sector," he concluded.