bodaboda

BODABODA

Motorcycle taxis (popularly known as bodaboda in East Africa) are a very important means of transportation. They are small – meant for a passenger or two – therefore sparing one the agony of waiting for 13 more passengers to fill the matatus. They also access hard-to-reach areas and do not have a travel schedule: they are always ready to go.

The bodaboda were made famous during the presidency of President Kibaki. He made them tax-free and, before Kenyans knew what had hit them, motorcycles were all over the place. They have employed many, and many have dropped everything to just own one. So important and integral to the life of people are these machines that the only question we ask ourselves is: how were we surviving before?

Bodaboda have only two blemishes on their otherwise good name. Firstly, they have become popular with criminals. Many cases of theft have a bodaboda somewhere in the mix. They are mostly used to get away fast. The second spot is in the riders themselves: many of them are not trained as drivers from approved driving schools. They learn how to control the machines, practice carrying passengers and literally hit the road running. Many have died because of motorcycle-related accidents.

In spite of the challenges seen here and there, the bodabodas have become part and parcel of the Kenyan society. Woe unto anyone who would suggest of removing these guys from the road!