Dynamics of motorcycle transport in Mutomo

By Daniel Mwendo

Mutomo District is characterized by poor road network. Passenger vehicles only ply the major murram road which serves a small population. Majority of the people are far from the main road and have to use alternative transport.

 Motorcycle business popularly known as bodaboda has greatly transformed the lives of people in Mutomo as well as drastically reducing the level of unemployment which was chronic.

Bodaboda operators in Mutomo

According to Salimu Mwanzia, one of the operators in Mutomo town, this business has also provided an alternative  means of transport and helped people reach areas which were formerly inaccessible due to lack of roads.

Despite the booming business, poor running of the industry in the area has only served to propagate poverty rates. Youths do not save the proceeds but end up squandering.

However, there have been efforts to form support groups to enable them pool resources that will cushion them in times of eventuality. Jacob Maitha, an operator who has been in the business for a while now says that these support groups face a challenge when members pull out.

However the rapid rise of this business has seen a lot of untrained operators enter the market leading to increased number of accidents .The poor state of roads has also contributed to this. Most of these operators flout traffic rules. They ferry passengers beyond the recommended capacity. They also do not wear helmets or reflector jackets. Worst still, they operate without a licence or insurance.

Poor roads have been cited as another problem as it leads to accidents and tear and wear to their motor cycles. Additionally, there is usually low business during rainy seasons because some of the roads become impassable.