Revealed: 45,000 motorcycles operating without number plates

Some motorcycles operating on Kenyan roads do not bear number plates and cannot be traced if used in the commission of a crime, it has been revealed.

According to the Motorcycle Assemblers of Kenya, an estimated 45,000 motorcycles are waiting for number plates but are already in use.

Chairman Isaac Kalua said this increases the risk for crime.

“… with 40,000 plus unregistered motorcycles on Kenyan roads without plates at a time we are grappling with security? Its a risk that we cannot stand as a nation…..,” he said.

The National Secretary General of Boba Boda Operators, Kenneth Onyango, echoed the sentiments saying:

“Now we have a big problem, there are no number plates and any one arrested without a number plate is forced to part with between Ksh.15,000 and Ksh.20,000 shillings.”

There about 700,000 boda boda operators countrywide, but the number is always increasing as new investors continue to join the market.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is also being investigated over claims of double registration.

Six NTSA employees were on Friday remanded for 30 days for possibly aiding and abetting terrorists in the 14 Riverside Drive attack.

It is alleged that they issued the number plate of the vehicle that was used by the terrorists.