Factors Influencing Growth Of Informal Transport Sector: A Case Of Motorcycle Industry In Lurambi Sub-County, Kakamega County In, Kenya.

Abstract

The study seeks to find the reasons behind growth of informal transport sector majoring on the motorcycle industry in Lurambi Sub-county of Kakamega County. The objectives to be addressed cover on the socio economic, environmental, structural and investment factors. The study used descriptive survey design in studying these determinants. The study targets 298 respondents; while employing Random, Stratified, Purposive techniques as sampling procedures, employing questionnaires and interview schedules during data as well as questionnaires, Interview and Document Analysis as its Data Collection tools. Data was coded, entered, analyzed by both qualitative and quantitative techniques using SPSS 20.0 which provided specific outputs relative to the study findings and the study discussed findings that may be important to the Traffic Police Department and the County Devolved Administration to identify and fix the outstanding factors that do not promote the safety, efficiency and reliability of motorcycle taxis as a means of transport in the Sub County. The findings and recommendations may also benefit the driving school entrepreneurs to review and strengthen their training units to accommodate the emerging Motorcycle taxis challenges on the road. Validity was determined using content validity whereby components of the questionnaire and interview schedule was checked to ensure clarity of words and the accuracy of the statements in relation to the specific research questions. A pilot test was done to establish commonality and the results analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the analysis were computed in table form as a summary data with chi-statistic. The data was analyzed both deceptive and inferential techniques of which Frequencies, cross tabulations, and chi-square elements for measuring association were used to study the findings at 5% α-level significance. From this study, it is clear that the four factors are very important in contributing towards the growth of informal transport sector measures should be put in place to ensure that the growth impacts positively to those involved. The government should offer subsidies to those who want to start the business and put strict regulations to control the provision of these services. It was recommended that motorcycle operators should go to riding schools to improve on their competency. In addition to that, all bodaboda operators should be forced to form Sacco’s just like Matatus to handle matters concerning bodaboda operations. On the reduction of bodaboda related accidents, it can be stated briefly that frequent raids and ambushes should be done to arrest and prosecute those bodaboda operators who do not observe the law as suggested by the Traffic Base commander.