Boda boda and motorcycle riders: licence, registration and taxi rules
National Transport and Safety Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
To ride a boda boda for hire you need an NTSA class A2 licence (age 18+), got through a licensed driving school, a test and a smart DL. You must also belong to a body registered with NTSA as a motorcycle taxi operator.
- Fee
- KSh 650Provisional driving licence (PDL)KSh 650Driving test bookingKSh 3,050Smart driving licence (after passing the test)
- How long
- Smart DL: about 5 working days after you apply
- Where
- Driving school for training; NTSA Service Portal (eCitizen login) for the test, licence and registration; NTSA centres for the test
What you need
- A completed medical certificate (Form 4) for the driving test
Steps
- Enrol in a licensed driving school and apply for a provisional driving licence (PDL) for the motorcycle class you want.
- Book the driving test on the NTSA portal and sit it at your chosen NTSA centre.
- After passing, apply for your smart driving licence on the portal.
- Register the motorcycle and get its number plate on the NTSA portal (log in with eCitizen).
- To carry passengers for pay, join a body registered with NTSA as a motorcycle taxi operator.
Watch out
- Riding a boda boda for hire without being a member of an NTSA-registered motorcycle taxi operator is not allowed.
- Class A1 (light motorcycle) limits the load to 60 kg; A2 allows up to 100 kg. Pick A2 for taxi or courier work.
- The motorcycle registration fee depends on the engine size (cc).
Who can apply
- Class A1 and A2 motorcycle licences: minimum age 18.
- Class A2 covers motorcycle taxis, couriers and three-wheelers.
Official sources (4)
- The Traffic (Driving Schools, Driving Instructors and Driving Licences) Rules, 2020 (L.N. 28 of 2020) new.kenyalaw.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- The National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Motorcycles) Regulations, 2015 (L.N. 19 of 2015) new.kenyalaw.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA Citizen Service Delivery Charter 2026 (English) ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA Service Portal serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026