The tables in the economy of life are turning albeit based on the hard work a person puts, and the innovation one embraces in life and their money-making skills.
This has become especially evident among the bodaboda riders who have cashed in on the trade by working day and night to earn that extra coin.
This story explores the life of three bodaboda riders operating in Limuru, who requested not to be revealed their true identity although shared their business life candidly.
First is Ndung'u who operates a carpenter’s shop during the day where he makes beds, chairs, tables, cupboards, stools and other wooden furniture. He closes the shop at four in the evening, after which he goes to carry people using his motorbike. Ndungu revealed that he can carry 12 customers between 4pm and 8pm at a minimum cost of Sh50 before going home to his family. From the bodaboda business he makes an average of Sh600 a day, which is Sh12,000 a month and about Sh20,000 from his carpenter shop.
Second, is Mwaura who sells potatoes at the Limuru market. He did not reveal how much he makes from the potato business but said is a handsome amount especially when there is a high demand and low supply, resulting to price hikes. He also operates a bodaboda in the evening, except on market days of Wednesday and Saturday.
“I have strategic customers who call me when they arrive late in the evening, and I can make an average of Sh1, 000 because at night the cost is higher,” said Mwaura.
This means Mwaura makes Sh20, 000 on average from his bodaboda, not forgetting some more from the potato business.
Finally, we have Bernard who is employed at a factory in Limuru. In the evening, and days that he is not on duty, he operates a bodaboda. Bernard did not reveal the money he makes, but said, he was initially employed by someone to operate a bodaboda for him. Eventually, he made enough to buy his own motorbike and was now servicing a loan from a financial institution after buying a piece of land and settling his family in Ndeiya. He is still employed at the factory and operates his bodaboda.
The three have one common advice that one must work hard and think through all the opportunities available to provide adequately well for your dependants.