The Bodaboda is a transport sector in Kenya mainly by motorcycle but previously before the introduction of motorcycles, were bicycles that were used as means for ferrying individuals and goods from one location to another.
This means of transportation is common in urban shopping centers as it enables users to get to their destination fast as riders would maneuver through a heavy traffic jam, whilst in rural areas, users can reach where it is inaccessible to vehicles, especially public transport vehicles which majority of Kenyans rely on their daily movement.
This mode of transportation has made it easy for people to get to their doorsteps and mobility anywhere possible and fast.
Many youths are engaged in this business majority of who have been unemployed and those who haven't attained education. Many families depend on this business for their daily living, education of children by fees payments, and also easy means for transportation of the patients to their near homes or hospitals.
This sector of motorcycle transportation has made robust the country's
economy, through the purchase of thousands of motorcycles, purchase of spare parts, employment of youths, and consumption of fuel. A daily estimate of Ksh 1 billion which is equivalent to 3.4% of GDP is being generated that government collects.
Most of the bodaboda riders have joined Sacco which has enabled them to bring them together and together strive to have a change in their lifestyle whereby others have benefitted with projects such as house construction as they contribute daily to own their homes and farms. This is the most recommendable ideology that some are proud of their efforts.
Despite its dominance all over the country, it's faced with many challenges,
• Acquiring a motorcycle is very expensive. Most riders opt for credit offered by several credit firms like Mogo and payments till completion are costly. Many don't have options since they are incapable of affording between Ksh 130,000 to 160,000 for the cash price for cc between 100 to 150. On credit, it requires a deposit of Ksh 15,0000 and thereafter a daily payment of between Ksh 350 to 450 depending on the cc of the motorcycle. This has caused many to default of which they end up losing their motorcycle to the credit firms.
• Most riders don't possess the necessary documents as the law requires, including driving license and insurance cover. It's troublesome as the unqualified individuals risk million of pillions during their work. The carelessness of riders has caused the loss of many lives, injuries, and disabilities to many people.
• The motorcycle owners are also at risk as they are targeted by thugs to get away with their motorcycles. Many riders especially those working during night hours, have suffered and murdered in cold blood by these thugs who prey on their hard-earned motorcycles.
• Some bodaboda riders have aided the execution of many crimes as it makes easy getaway for them. This has caused many people on streets, homes, business places, and motorists to lose valuables to thugs.
• Protest, assault and loss of other peoples properties in the hands of bodaboda operators has been trending in recent times. This occurs after an accident and they take matters on their hands against motorists after an accident. Others have had their vehicle burnt reduced to shell and others assaulted as they respond to the accidents with one of them.
• Over speeding within speed limit zones especially in urban areas has led to accidents with pedestrians and other riders. Speed regulations should be observed too. Some of bodaboda are under age youths who have refused to pursue education for quick win money daily
• The cost of treatment is huge to most after undergoing surgery, other never adjust to disabilities and frequent pneumonia cases as most lack safety gears to wear during their daily operations.
As the nation is thinking twice about this sector to bring about reformation and sanity to be able to curb unethical amongst its members and point on moral behavior among some raiders, it’s not an easy task to come in place to able to control this industry. Let government involve stakeholders to incorporate and maintain the interest of the government and that of the bodaboda business people. To lay down procedures and processes of members intending to join, those already undertaking and for future members. It entails a slow gradual process within a certain timeline. After that, it will have a great impact in society as it maintains, dignity in our roads, streets, and cities.
