The Contribution of Motorcycle Business to the Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Operators in Kisumu County, Kenya

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