The bodaboda sector has become an integral part of the economy, employing over a million young people in the country and supporting livelihoods for many, to create a conducive working environment the county government of Kiambu has constructed twelve bodaboda shades.
The boda boda shades which are built through the county department of trade are meant to ease operations especially during the ongoing rainy and sunny seasons
According to the county chief officer for trade Simon Kiberenge the project is being implemented as a result of several consultative meetings with the bodaboda sector officials from different sub counties on issues and challenges affecting the sector and what they would like the Department to do for them
“These is just the first phase of the project twenty-four more are at the procurement process as the aim is to have at least three bodaboda shades in every sub county” said Kiberenge
He added that the bodaboda business plays an integral part in our economy and also generates revenue for the County, thus the directorate of trade for years has continuously built sheds where riders can seek relief during harsh climatic situations.
“It is a key responsibility for the trade department to boost the livelihoods of every bodaboda member and to provide an enabling environment for the bodaboda sector to thrive”he said
Kiberenge further remarked that “the department is this time round doing bigger and better modern boda boda sheds, instead of the normal wood boda boda sheds, the county government is building more firm structures and spacious enough to fit 20 to 30 motorbikes”
The Chief officer emphasized on every bodaboda rider getting proper licensing so as to promote the road safety and security for the operators and users of their services
The twelve bodaboda shades have been built in Limuru sub county – Tigoni shopping center, Gatundu south – Ngenda ward, Thika sub county – corner stage, Kiambaa sub county – Cianda ward, Kiambu Sub county – Kirigiti shopping center, Kikuyu sub county – Good morning stage, Ruiru sub county – Kahawa wendani opposite quickmart supermarket, Ruiru sub – Githurai (wamanyondo), Githunguri Sub county – Githunguri main stage,Lari sub county – Kinale ward,Juja sub county – Juja bus stop and Kabete sub county – Wangige stage
In a report done by US-based consultancy firm titled Africa Two-Wheeler Market 2011-2021.Kenya is the among the largest motorcycle markets in Africa having over 700,000 registered motorcycles and 21 assemblers.
The reports further state that the 21 motorcycle assembly plants release at least 100,000 motorcycles into the Kenyan market every year, creating 500,000 direct jobs and supporting a further four million Kenyans indirectly.
Besides generating $3.8 million in income daily, the industry contributed over $21.3 million to exchequer.
By Grace Naishoo
