The influence of transport safety policies on motorcycle (boda boda) industry: a case study of Kisumu East Constituency, Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Motorcycle related accidents have been on the increase despite the establishment of the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operations of Motorcycles) Regulations, 2014.Currently, motorcyclists contribute up to 20% of all deaths recorded in the country every year. This study therefore aimed at: examining the influence of transport safety policies on motorcycle industry, explaining the causes of motorcycle accidents, explaining the challenges facing the implementation of the policies and examining the measures to mitigate the challenges. Literature review was organized thematically based on the study objectives. This study adopted the elite model of policy making. A conceptual framework was also used to explain the variables which directed the study. This study embraced a descriptive survey research design methodology. A mixed method approach was used to collect data. Questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussions were employed as data collection tools. Purposive sampling techniques were used to sample the study area, key informants and the interviewees. Stratified random sampling was used to sample the respondents. Qualitative data was analysed by categorizing it into themes and narratives based on the study objectives. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive analysis techniques and managed using SPSS Version 24.0. Since the study was descriptive in nature, quantitative data obtained was presented in the form of pie charts and bar graphs for easy understanding. Findings from both qualitative and quantitative data analyses indicated that the existing transport safety policies had achieved little on the boda boda industry as accidents were largely caused by human error. Bribery, ignorance and poor implementation of the existing policies emerged as challenges. This study therefore recommended that sensitisations on the safety policies be carried out on all riders. There is also need to make motorcycle license and insurance fees affordable to all riders by subsidising the current fees. In addition, more rider training schools be established in the rural set ups to enable the riders acquire proper riding trainings. Further, the study recommended that separate motorcycle lanes be constructed on major highways and speed governors be properly mounted on all motorcycles and also the initiation of electronic payments of fines.