By Suleman Chitera

Motorcycle taxi operators, popularly known as Kabaza riders, in Lilongwe have raised concerns over a K240,000 licence fee, saying the amount is beyond the reach of many riders who depend on the business to survive.

The concerns have emerged after the MACOKASA organisation outlined new requirements that Kabaza operators are expected to follow as authorities move to bring greater order and safety to the rapidly growing motorcycle taxi industry in Lilongwe.

Under the new arrangements, Kabaza operators are required to pay K240,000 to obtain the necessary licence to operate their motorcycles.

However, some riders say the fee could force many people out of the business, particularly those who operate motorcycles that they do not personally own.

One of the operators, Kingsley Kalonga, has strongly criticised the proposed fee, describing it as too expensive for ordinary Kabaza riders.

Kalonga said many operators survive on daily earnings and do not own the motorcycles they ride, making it difficult to raise K240,000 for a licence.

He argued that authorities should consider the economic realities facing Kabaza operators before imposing fees that could further burden them.

MACOKASA Responds to Riders’ Concerns

MACOKASA Chairperson Moses Mwalabu said the organisation had taken note of the concerns being raised by Kabaza operators.

Mwalabu said MACOKASA would engage the relevant stakeholders through meetings to explore possible solutions, including ways of helping the operators and pushing for a reduction in the licence fee.

His remarks offer a potential opening for dialogue between the authorities and the motorcycle taxi community, which has become an important part of public transport in the city.

New Rules Target Safety and Order

Apart from the licence requirement, Kabaza operators have also been directed to stop charging one another fees at motorcycle taxi ranks.

They have further been instructed to stop operating by 9:00 p.m.

The authorities say the restrictions are part of efforts to address safety concerns, including the increasing number of fatal incidents involving people engaged in Kabaza business.

The move comes amid growing calls for stronger regulation of motorcycle taxi operations, particularly in areas where riders operate late into the night.

Council to Educate Kabaza Operators

Lilongwe City Council official Yona Simwaka said another major challenge was that some motorcycle operators were not familiar with the laws governing their activities.

Simwaka said the council therefore intends to educate Kabaza riders on the laws and regulations they are expected to follow.

The planned awareness campaign is expected to help riders understand their responsibilities and reduce conflicts between operators and authorities.

Approved Kabaza Ranks Coming

The Lilongwe City Council is also preparing to introduce officially designated Kabaza ranks across the city.

According to the new arrangement, the council will establish approved Kabaza ranks in different areas of Lilongwe from 1 September.

The development is expected to bring greater organisation to the motorcycle taxi sector by clearly identifying where operators can pick up and drop off passengers.

For Kabaza operators, however, the key issue remains whether they will be able to meet the financial requirements attached to formalising their operations.

While authorities argue that regulation is necessary to improve safety, order and accountability, operators insist that the cost of compliance must reflect the realities of their livelihoods.

The coming weeks could therefore prove critical as MACOKASA, the Lilongwe City Council and Kabaza operators engage over the K240,000 licence fee, operating hours and the introduction of designated ranks.

For thousands of people who rely on Kabaza services for both employment and transportation, the outcome of these discussions could have a significant impact on the future of motorcycle taxi operations in Lilongwe.