Boda boda’s have become a reliable form of transport across Kenya.
Not only have they eased transportation but have also provided employment for many youth.
24-year-old Juma Mohammed famously known as ‘Medi’ narrates his story on how he has managed to earn a decent living from this business.
In 2012, Medi moved to Mombasa from Kinango after completing his secondary education. His D- mean grade in KCSE could not allow him to pursue his desired course thus making the young lad start doing odd jobs.
"At that time, I was leaving at Bakarani in Kisauni with my cousin. After saving enough money, I enrolled for a driving course in 2013. A year later, I relocated to Likoni to live with a friend who later introduced me to the boda boda business,” he said.
Medi who has been in the ‘industry’ for four years admits that just like any other type of work this is not easy especially with so many criminal gangs in his area of operation.
"My day starts at 5.30am where I take people to work or children to school and it ends at about 9.30pm. However during holidays or special occasions I work until midnight,” continued Medi.
On a regular day, Medi makes around Sh2,000. After fuelling the motorbike, servicing it and giving the owner his daily Sh500, he manages to pocket around Sh1,000. With a monthly income of roughly Sh30,000, the young man has been able to rent his own place, cater for his daily needs and support his mother and siblings back at home.
“By August this year, I will have saved enough money to buy my own motorbike which is a huge step towards achieving my goals,” conclude the ambitious boda boda operator.
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