Long-distance drivers have decried poor working conditions, harassment by traffic police and unsafe roads, appealing to President William Ruto to intervene and protect their welfare.

In an open letter to the Head of State, the Long Distance Drivers Association (LODCA) stated that they transport essential goods, medicines, and passengers across the country, yet remain undervalued and exposed to numerous risks.

The association now wants a presidential roundtable to address its grievances.

“We are the men and women who keep the country’s wheels turning: ferrying goods from the ports to our borders, medicines, delivering food, fuel and essential commodities and ensuring that patients and passengers move safely across counties,” the association said in the letter dated September 21, 2025.

The group highlighted that over five million Kenyans earn their livelihood directly from driving, whether as PSV operators, truck drivers, long-haul transporters, or conductors.

Vast workforce

“This is not a small number. It represents a vast workforce that sustains trade, movement and economic growth within Kenya and across our borders,” they said.

In their letter, drivers described enduring long hours under inhumane conditions, often driving while exhausted, which puts their lives and those of passengers at risk, yet wages remain poor, salaries are delayed, and contracts are unregulated.

“This toxic mix has taken a heavy toll on our mental health. Depression, stress and burnout are widespread, with little or no access to support systems,” the association said, urging the government to establish a national framework for fair pay, humane conditions and mental health care.

LODCA also criticised government agencies, including the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the Kenya Revenue Authority, describing them as “reactive, bureaucratic and corrupt” and blaming them for delays, frustrations, and financial losses that affect drivers.

Bribery and corruption

They further raised concerns over police harassment, citing instances of bribery and corruption.

“Few experiences are as demoralising as daily harassment from traffic police. Instead of safeguarding highways, too many officers extort drivers through arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges,” they said.

They also noted that security along many routes, particularly in North Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and the Coast, remains a major concern for drivers who face armed attacks, hijackings and banditry.

“Armed attacks, hijackings and banditry have cost too many lives. We need better policing, intelligence-driven patrols and reliable emergency responses,” LODCA noted.

The group also criticised traffic congestion from Mombasa port to Malaba and Busia borders, saying it wastes days or even weeks, weakening Kenya’s regional competitiveness. Poor roads, including Nairobi–Nakuru, Kisumu–Busia, and Northern Kenya routes, were described as “death traps,” prompting a call for durable highways, proper signage, lighting and safe resting bays.

Harassment in neighbouring countries

They also noted that drivers operating in neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo and South Sudan also face beatings, harassment, imprisonment and even killings, often without adequate diplomatic intervention.

The association urged the government to strengthen protections for Kenyan drivers abroad and to ensure their representation in transport and labour policy-making.

LODCA further highlighted health and welfare challenges, saying the nature of their work exposes them to stress, accidents and illnesses, yet there is no tailored health coverage.

“We request an exclusive drivers’ health insurance scheme covering cross-border emergencies and mental health support, so no family is left in despair after accidents or tragedies,” reads the letter.

The association also proposed the creation of a National Drivers’ Welfare and Safety Council and the declaration of an annual National Drivers’ Week to recognise their contributions and provide a platform to discuss challenges.

“The engines are running, the roads are calling, but our spirits are broken. Please hear our cry. A driver who feels protected, valued and respected will give his best to Kenya’s growth,” the drivers said.

The group urged President Ruto to convene a presidential drivers’ roundtable bringing together drivers’ leadership, relevant ministries and government agencies to address the challenges and improve conditions across the transport sector.