Boda Boda Bonanza: Ruto Pledges Cheaper Bikes and Easier Repayment Terms

President William Ruto has vowed to reduce the price of motorbikes by half, an initiative he maintains will empower the common man in Kenya to own a bike and improve their economic status.

The President made the pledge during a meeting with bodaboda representatives of each of the sub-counties in the country at State House Nairobi on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The President set out a series of actions to ease motorcycle ownership and further develop the boda boda business.

According to the proposed plan, the cost of purchasing a motorcycle will reduce significantly – from Ksh190,000 to Ksh95,000. The down payment will also be reduced from Ksh70,000 to Ksh9,500, making motorbikes even more accessible to more Kenyans. In addition, daily repayment rates will fall from Ksh500 to just Ksh180.

These changes, the President noted, are meant to open up opportunities for young people and low-income earners by easing the financial burden of entering the motorcycle transport business.

“I want us to have a plan where an ordinary citizen has the chance to own a motorcycle. The motorbikes that citizens own, the price is not Ksh190,000, it is Ksh95,000. The deposit is not Ksh70,000, it is Ksh9,500. Daily payments are not Ksh500; it is Ksh180.” President Ruto said.

Ruto to Scrap Motorcycle Taxes

President Ruto also announced plans to push for legislative changes in Parliament to eliminate taxes currently levied on motorcycles. He explained that scrapping these taxes could lower prices by an additional Ksh10,000.

“I will go to Parliament to remove the taxes available on motorbikes, which may reduce the prices by a further Ksh10,000.”

He praised boda boda operators as hardworking businessmen who play an important role in the economy and must be fully supported by the government.. To support their growth, Ruto pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the sector to draft a law that promotes self-regulation while fostering a safer, more organized, and prosperous industry.

“Bodaboda operators are legitimate entrepreneurs whose businesses must be supported. We will work with all stakeholders to enact a law that embraces self-regulation that will help spur the sector’s growth.Gave amnesty to owners of motorcycles which have been detained at police stations and are not linked to criminal cases. Asked the Ministry of Interior to work with the Inspector-General of Police to have the motorcycles released in the next week,” Ruto added in a statement.

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