| dc.description.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. | en_US |
