By Caroline Katana
 In a decisive move to restore livelihoods and promote youth empowerment, the Kwale County security committee has granted amnesty to boda boda riders whose motorcycles were impounded for minor traffic offenses.
More than 25 motorcycles held at Diani Police Station were released, with county authorities citing the urgent need to support youth employment and prevent rising insecurity linked to joblessness.
“We sat down as a multi-agency team and agreed to offer amnesty. These motorcycles are not just machines—they are jobs,” said Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde.
Motorcycles linked to criminal activity or serious traffic offenses, however, will remain impounded as legal processes continue.
This is the first time such an amnesty has been launched in Kwale County. Â
Kwale County commissioner, Stephen Orinde
According to Commissioner Orinde, the exercise involved several key partners, including the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and local leadership.
 “We’ve brought in various stakeholders to educate the riders on safety, both on the roads and in their communities. Security and boda boda are closely intertwined,” He added.
Riders whose bikes were held for minor offenses like not wearing helmets or reflective jackets were eligible. Those yet to collect their bikes were advised to report to Diani Police Station for assessment.
Boda Boda Sector: Backbone of Grassroots Economy
Boda boda riders welcomed the amnesty as a much-needed relief and a signal that their contribution to the economy is being recognized.
 “Many youth were stuck after their bikes were seized. Today’s amnesty gives them a second chance to earn a living,” said Rama Hamadi Mwachanjo, the Kwale boda boda association spokesperson.
He praised the County’s MPs for using NG-CDF funds to sponsor youth to accredited driving schools and called on partners to further support the sector.
 “This industry is sustainable. With more support, we can reduce accidents, promote safety, and create even more jobs,” He added.
According to national data, the boda boda sector supports over 1.2 million riders and generates billions in daily transactions. It plays a critical role in transportation, delivery, and last-mile connectivity, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.
Curbing Radicalization Through Inclusion
Representing the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Joseph Kanyiri warned that economic frustration among youth could make them susceptible to extremist ideologies.
“Lack of income and purpose can push young people toward crime and violent extremism. That’s why programs like this are crucial,” Kanyiri said.
He emphasized the need to unlock the economic value of bodaboda investments, which align with the government’s bottom-up strategy.
 “We must ensure these bikes don’t remain idle. They should bring returns, not gather dust,” he added.
Head of Prevention and Resilience at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Joseph Kanyiri
Kwale County has previously faced threats from radical groups and returning extremists. But through multi-agency coordination and youth-centered programs by the government, the region is witnessing a shift towards peace and development.
This bold step by the security department is expected to set a precedent for other sub-counties, offering not just clemency—but opportunity, dignity, and hope.
Climate Wax Project: A New Lifeline for Youth
During the amnesty exercise at Ukunda showground, youth were also briefed on the upcoming Climate Wax initiative — a national project modeled on the former Kazi Mtaani program.
The project will focus on climate action and create temporary employment for thousands of young people across the country.
“Kwale is set to recruit over 1,107 youth and 38 supervisors. Registration closes Wednesday, and we expect the selection process to start next week,” officials announced, urging youth to register online.
The program is part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), designed to empower communities at the grassroots and build climate resilience.
