The Lifeline of Our Economy
Don’t underestimate boda bodas. They’re not just a means of transport; they’re an economic powerhouse. As of 2025, the sector contributes around KES 660 billion annually, accounting for about 4.4% of Kenya’s GDP, up from 3.4% the previous year. Over 2 million licensed riders operate across the country, each earning approximately KES 1,100 per day, translating into substantial daily earnings and essential livelihoods.
This value ripples outward—fuel taxes bring in some KES 60 billion annually, and licensing adds another KES 21 billion—making boda bodas a vital informal economy and tax base.
A Crisis on Two Wheels—Visibility and Lives at Stake
But the numbers paint only part of the story. Safety remains a critical concern. In 2025 alone, motorcycle-related crashes claimed 1,200 rider lives, up from 900 in 2024. Even more alarming: from January to March, there were 431 motorcycle crash deaths, an average of five per day—half of all road fatalities.
Part of the problem is clear: inadequate visibility. Without reflective gear, riders are virtually invisible at night or in poor conditions. That’s where reflector jackets come in—simple, effective, life-saving.
TRIAD Steps in with Intent
That’s why TRIAD’s reflector jacket project matters. We didn’t just hand out gear; we offered visibility, literally and figuratively. Each jacket is a signal that local riders are seen, valued, and partner in our vision of safe, thriving streets. It’s a tangible step toward reducing accidents while honoring those who keep all of us moving.
Why This Matters for Everyone
- Residents and guests at TRIAD rely on boda bodas daily—from deliveries to quick errands. Supporting rider safety means safer, more trusted transit for our community.
- For the riders, it’s about more than gear—it’s respect, acknowledgment, and protection.
- For Embakasi (and Nairobi), it’s a small move toward curbing the human and economic costs of road accidents.
Boda boda riders shape Nairobi’s rhythm and economy—but far too often, at great personal risk. By equipping them with reflector jackets, TRIAD is lighting a path toward safer roads and stronger communities.
At TRIAD, safety isn’t just part of the building—it’s embedded in every relationship, every gesture.
