The Contribution of Motorcycle Business to the Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Operators in Kisumu County, Kenya
              
              
                Abstract:Motorcycle  ownership  and  use  as  a  source  of  livelihood in developing countries has increased dramatically over the past few decades. The study investigated contributions of motorcycle business to the socio-economic wellbeing of operators in Kisumu County.It established the socio-demographic characteristics of motorcycle operators, the contribution of motorcycle business to the socio-economic wellbeing of the operators,and challenges motorcycle operators in Nyakach Sub Countyface. The study was a  descriptive  survey,  a  concurrent  mixed-methods  that  sampled  122 operators  using stratified  and  simple  random sampling,and  five key informants using a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interview schedules, focus group discussion guides,and interview schedules were used to get information from the operators and the key informants respectively.Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented infrequency counts, percentages,mean, and mode whereas content analysis was  used  for  qualitative  data.  The  motorcycle  business  provided  the operators with a source of income that enabled them to meet their daily subsistence needs,make investments,and educate their children. The study revealed  that diseases,  insecurity  such  as  theft  of  motorbikes,  difficulty accessing and paying loans, police harassment,and some customers not paying  were  challenges  operators  experienced,  and  concluded that  the motorcycle business  contributed to  the socio-economic well-being  of  the operators.  The  study  recommended  a working  relationship  between  the security personnel and the industry to curb theft; sensitization of industry operators  on  risk  behavior  through  the  County’s  Health  Department;financial training and future studies in the industry.Key words: Boda-boda, operator, Socio-economic wellbeing