Rising youth unemployment in Maua Town has forced many young people to seek alternative sources of income through the bodaboda transport business as formal job opportunities continue to shrink.
A spot check conducted at major bodaboda stages within the busy town revealed dozens of young riders waiting for passengers from early morning until late evening in an effort to earn a living.
Many of the riders said lack of employment opportunities after completing school and college has left them with no option but to venture into the motorcycle transport sector to survive and support their families.
According to Brian Mutwiri, a bodaboda rider operating at the Maua main stage, the business has become one of the few dependable income-generating activities available for young people in the area.
“Some riders are given motorcycles on loan while others hire them from owners and pay an agreed amount every evening after work,” he explained.
Mutwiri said bodaboda operators play an important role in transportation and delivery services within the town and surrounding areas by helping residents move goods and access services quickly.
Traders in Maua Town also acknowledged the significance of the bodaboda sector in supporting local businesses and market activities.
Mary Nkatha, a vegetable trader at Maua Market, noted that riders help transport goods efficiently, especially during busy market days when traders need quick deliveries.
“They assist us in carrying goods around town and delivering produce to customers. Without bodaboda riders, many business activities would slow down because transporting goods would become difficult,” she said.
Despite its importance, operators said the business faces numerous challenges, including stiff competition, low earnings, and insecurity.
Fredrick Muthuri, another rider in the town, said the increasing number of operators has intensified competition, forcing some riders to engage in reckless riding while struggling to secure customers.
“Many youth remain trapped in the same cycle without progress because of low income and too much competition,” he lamented.
The riders also identified motorcycle theft as a major challenge affecting the sector. Some said they have lost motorcycles to criminals posing as customers before completing payment of loans used to acquire the bikes.
They explained that theft leaves many operators with huge debts and no reliable source of income to continue supporting their families.
Paul Karithi, another rider, said earnings in the business vary depending on weather conditions and the number of customers available.
“On good days we earn between Sh400 and Sh600, while on average days we get about Sh200 to Sh300. During heavy rains some riders go home without earning anything,” he said.
Some operators disclosed that despite holding university degrees, they have remained unemployed for years and were forced to join the boda-boda business due to lack of opportunities in their professional fields.
Ken Mutwiri revealed that he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Moi University but could not secure employment after graduation.
Another rider said he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Mount Kenya University four years ago, while another operator disclosed that he studied Business Management at Chuka University.
The youths are now appealing to the government to create more employment opportunities for graduates and strengthen empowerment programmes targeting young people.
They also called for increased financial support and youth empowerment funds to help them start alternative self-employment ventures and improve their livelihoods.
By Kamanja Maeria and Miriam Naitore
