Hundreds of motorbike taxi operators in Kenya have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown leading to frustration for commuters and businesses alike.
“We have had very many cancellations and a lot of delays. Deliveries that normally take 30 minutes now take an hour or more,” says Priscilla Muhiu from Glovo Kenya.
Glovo is one of several online stores including Jumia Food, Uber Eats, and Bolt Food whose business models rely on boda-boda delivery riders to beat traffic jams in Kenya’s major cities and towns.
President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the crackdown on Monday to weed out criminal elements, after motorcycle taxi operators allegedly stripped a female driver in traffic prompting public outrage and the arrest of 16 suspects.
More than 200 others have since been arrested and fined $305 (£235) each for riding along the pavements and causing obstruction.
