Influence of boda-boda transport enterprise on the livelihood of operators in Kitale town, Trans-nzoia county, Kenya.

Abstract

his study sought to look into the influence of boda-boda transport business on the livelihood of boda boda operators, within Kitale Town, Trans-Nzoia County. The objectives analyzed included to determine the influence of fare charged on the livelihood of the operators, to establish the influence of the location of operation on the livelihood of the operators, to establish how the regulatory framework influence the livelihood of the operator and to establish the influence of availability of credit facilities on the livelihood of operators. The study adopted descriptive survey design because data from the study was used to describe the livelihood of the boda boda operators. Questionnaires were the instruments of choice and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The target population was 210 operators and the sample size was 136 operators. Probability sampling techniques were used to identify the respondents within Kitale town. Analysis was done scientifically using frequencies and %s in tables. The findings revealed that the fares charged by boda boda were mainly between 500-1200 Shs. Depending on whether one was just an operator or an operator who was also the owner, and then it determined their livelihoods.Those who were hired operators earned less money and therefore low levels of livelihoods whereas those who were owners but also operators had higher levels of livelihoods. The operators in the urban areas had more improved livelihoods as they earned more compared to the peri urban operators. Lack of a regulatory framework on the boda boda operation has also played a role on the livelihood of the operators. It has led to many operators operating without training hence leading to many accidents and loss of property. Many of the boda boda operators did not access credit facilities from commercial banks. However they accessed credit facilities from the Sacco‟s and SMEs. There were others who did not access the credit facilities at all and consequently were unable to expand their businesses or being able to purchase their own for the hired operators. This implied that those with access to credit facilities realized an improved livelihood unlike those who did not. Consequently credit facilities were important for the improved livelihoods of boda boda operators.The researcher recommended that the operators should come up with better ways of setting prices that ensured that there are able to improve their livelihoods. They should also base their charges of millage so that all of them are able to improve their livelihoods regardless of where they are operating from. The regulatory framework should be put in place so as to promote order in the business and minimize on accidents. The operators should be sensitized on credit facilities to enable them benefit from them.