Factors influencing motorcycle transport on creation of employment opportunities in Kenya; a case of Bungoma south sub county, Bungoma county.

Abstract

Employment opportunities today are very scarce due to harsh prevailing economic environment. Competition is intense than even before and risks are higher than expected. Business is emerging as a source of employment is globalizing in quest for new markets and to expand their market share. This study seeks to identify critical factors that influence Boda Boda motorcycle transport on creation of employment opportuinties in Bungoma South Subcounty, Bungoma County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; assess how mobility influences creation of employment opportunities, determine how accessibility influence creation of employment opportunities, establish how economic growth influences creation of employment opportunities and to assess how traffic regulation influences creation of employment opportunities in Bungoma South Sub-county. A descriptive research design was used to enable the researcher gather relevant data for this academic undertaking. The target respondents included were all operators of the motorbikes on four routes in Bungoma town. Simple random sampling was applied in drawing the sample size of 100 respondents as identified from the groups they have formed along the various routes. The structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect the primary data. The validity and reliability of research instruments were achieved through analysis of responses from the piloting and expert judgement. The data was entered and analyzed using the SPSS software and results presented descriptively in tables of frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that the motorcycle transport has revolutionized unemployment and many youths are earning a living from this trade. However there is need for the government and other players to streamline the sector so as to reduce fatalities and death as a result of motorcycle transport. The findings of the study will help the County Government of Bungoma and other governments in planning, regulating and managing the boda boda motorcycle businesses since they are spread all over the country. This is aimed at achieving effective economic development from the industry.