Motorcyclists to lobby for policy change in the motor cycle industry.

MotorCycle Kenya, the umbrella organization of Private Motorcycle Clubs, Associations and Groups in the country will tomorrow be petitioning the local and national Government to amend some already existing laws recently effected by the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Nairobi City County that infringe on private motorcycle sector.

More than 500 bikers comprised of – private bikers and boda boda associations will be converging at Uhuru Park, Nairobi County and will later on hold courtesy calls with the Ministry of Transport, National Transport Safety Authority, Kenya Police and the Supreme Court at the Chief Justice’s Office and Nairobi County headquarters to discuss the state of Motorcycle Industry in the country.

Currently, it is an offence for motorcyclists to overtake in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken otherwise known as lane splitting. Also, there are no city laws that legitimizes and govern operations of motorbikes (both commercial and private) within the cities and no designated parking spots for motorbikes which Motorcycle Kenya feels makes it difficult for private and public motorcyclists to optimally operate within the county.

“As an industry, we are hard hit by some of these laws in our sector. They affect our day-to-day operations as road users. We hope that the Government through the relevant bodies will act on some these teething challenges,” noted Nick Korir, Chairperson, MotorCycle Kenya.

Other proposed laws that MotorCycle Kenya is lobbying the government to amend include – a proposal to clamp down a cartel in the city at the Nairobi City Council that participate in the recent harassment of bikers leading to confisication of bikes by the council without subsequent charging in court.

The bikers will also be lobbying the government to participate in training and mobilization of bikers so as that they become change agents in the industry.

Motorcycle Kenya recently set aside July 31^st as the National Bikers Day, a day that will be used to champion the cause and grievances of those in the motorcycle industry. The Association exists to ensure appropriate legislation of policies, advocate for high standards in the motorcycle industry. They also promote safe riding to all bikers and facilitate continuous training for bikers.