Boda boda operators and local leaders in Mlolongo, Athi River and Machakos have called for authorities to verify the immigration and work status of foreign nationals operating in the motorcycle taxi sector.
The operators said they had raised concerns over some foreign nationals working at boda boda stages without what they described as the necessary identification, driving licences or county permits.
The concerns come days after President William Ruto directed that foreigners be barred from operating small retail and hawking businesses from September 8, a move the government said was aimed at protecting opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
Local boda boda leaders said the issue in the motorcycle taxi sector should similarly be addressed through enforcement of existing immigration, licensing and business regulations.
Mlolongo Syokimau Boda Boda Association chairman Alex Mutuku said operators wanted authorities to establish whether foreign nationals working in the sector had the required documentation and permits.
"Foreigners have invaded almost all our stages in the region. The majority don't have the necessary documentation. We are worried about working with people whose identities are unknown," Mutuku said.
He urged the government to conduct verification exercises in Mlolongo, Athi River and Machakos, as well as other parts of the county, to establish the legal status of those operating businesses in the sector.
"We urge the government to help us verify who these people are, whether they have been cleared to be in Kenya, and how they got into the country," Mutuku said.
Mutuku also raised concerns over motorcycle theft in the area, saying the association had recorded several cases in recent weeks.
He said at least two motorcycles belonging to members were reportedly stolen every week, with the incidents being reported to the police.
"We have had cases of motorbike theft. The cases are on the rise, with the latest being a man whose motorbike was stolen in Mlolongo Phase 3. His attackers stabbed him on the head before they robbed him of his motorbike," he said.
Mutuku said the latest incident occurred during the day and that the victim was taken to hospital after the attack. The matter was reported at Mlolongo Police Station, with investigations underway.
"We are wondering because the man was robbed of the motorbike in broad daylight. We urge security agencies to help us hunt down the thugs who are stealing motorbikes in Mlolongo and its environs. We have registered about three cases of such theft in the last week," he said.
Mutuku said some operators had also raised concerns about competition, including differences in fares charged to passengers.
"Some have documents and are registered in our Sacco, but others are given motorbikes by their friends. Such people operate boda boda while hiding," he claimed.
The concerns echo an issue recently raised in the Senate by Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu over the increasing number of foreign nationals working informally in sectors such as salons, barbershops, small-scale enterprises and hawking.
"There is an increase in the number of foreign nationals working in Kenya informally... in salons, barbershops, small-scale enterprises and hawking," Kavindu said.
The Senate National Security Committee subsequently has summoned officials from the Interior Ministry and the Immigration Department to provide information on the number of foreign nationals working informally in Kenya, whether they hold the required work permits and how the government intends to protect employment opportunities for Kenyans.
The committee is also expected to examine concerns surrounding foreign nationals working in sectors including boda boda operations, salons and hawking.
Mutuku said foreign nationals wishing to work in Kenya should follow the country's immigration and labour requirements and obtain the relevant permits.
He said the association supported government efforts to enforce immigration and licensing laws but called for the measures to be implemented through verification and due process.
Mutuku also called for stronger immigration controls at border points and improved verification of people entering the country for work or business.
