Boda Boda motorcycles, while offering fast and convenient transport across Kenya, have long played a troubling role in aiding environmental crimes. From ferrying illegally sourced charcoal, timber, and cedar poles to transporting bushmeat and even live wild animals, motorbikes have become a weak link in the country’s conservation efforts.
Peter Gachaiya, a reformed poacher and former charcoal burner from Eburu Forest in Nakuru County, shared his story with Big3Africa. His motorbike once made him highly efficient in navigating dense forests and evading law enforcement.
“I was deeply involved in environmental crimes. My motorbike allowed me access to remote forest areas and helped me escape arrest,” Gachaiya admitted.
He revealed that cedar posts were especially prized for their high value, leading to extensive deforestation. “Charcoal burning, illegal farming, and timber harvesting caused the loss of thousands of forest acres. This disrupted rainfall patterns and triggered human-wildlife conflict,” he added.
A road accident while transporting illegal forest products left Gachaiya with permanent scars — a grim reminder of his past.
Beyond Eburu, similar patterns of destruction have been reported. Daniel Mburu, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Manager for Ndaragwa Forest, expressed concern over rampant illegal logging of cedar poles, often facilitated by Boda Boda operators. “The vastness of Aberdare forest makes it difficult for KFS, KWS, and other agencies to monitor all areas, leading to uncontrolled logging,” he said.
The threat extends to Kenya’s national parks and reserves. Lucy Muita, Assistant Director at Aberdare National Park, highlighted how criminals use motorbikes to smuggle bushmeat and evade capture. “Motorcycles access hard-to-reach areas and escape quickly, posing risks not just to wildlife but also to law enforcement,” she noted.
Muita emphasized the importance of protecting ecosystems like Aberdare and Mt. Kenya, vital water sources for over two million people, and home to rare species such as the Mountain Bongo and wild pigs.
In response, a multi-agency campaign was launched to turn Boda Boda riders into allies in conservation. Through the Boda Boda Road Safety and Environmental Conservation Champions Programme, organizations including Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), KFS, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Rhino Ark have trained over 130 riders as conservation and road safety champions in Eburu and the Aberdare ecosystems.
Peter Gachaiya was among the first 49 trained riders. “Since we took on this new role, Eburu Forest has recovered significantly, with improved rainfall patterns and reduced human-wildlife conflict,” he shared. The installation of an electric fence by Rhino Ark has also helped reduce such conflicts.
These reformed riders now engage in sustainable forest use — harvesting honey, collecting animal fodder, and participating in eco-tourism initiatives.
To expand the initiative, 85 new champions from communities near Aberdare and Mt. Kenya were recently flagged off in Shamata. Each has been assigned to maintain a one-kilometre section of a 400km electric fence encircling the Aberdare ecosystem.
The launch was graced by UN Special Envoy for Road Safety and former Formula One President Jean Todt, who donated 1,000 UN-standard helmets and protective gear to support the riders’ safety.
“Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries, but it faces a tragic road safety situation,” Todt observed, urging continued support for these transformative efforts.
