Tuk tuk operators in Kibera are facing hard times due to stiff competition from the boda bodas.
James Mwaura who owns and drives a tuk tuk on the Kibera–Kawangware -Uthiru routes said since the motor bicycles started their operations in the area, tuk tuk as a means of transport has not been a successful business to rely on.
Speaking on Thursday at Mashimoni area, Kibera, Mwaura said his customers have deserted him in favour of the boda bodas.
His colleagues also quit the tuk tuk business to venture into other businesses and now he intends to quit the business as well since it is no longer profitable.
“Before the motor bicycles, the tuk tuk business was doing well especially on the Kibera –Kawangware–Uthiru routes unlike today when there are motor bicycles everywhere and passengers prefer them. In a day I may not get a customer to board my taxi as most of them prefer boda bodas," said Mwaura.
“Come next year I will quit this business and start a carpentry workshop since I am trained to start making and selling furniture in Kibera,” he added.
“I used to take tuk tuks early in morning to my workplace but nowadays I like using motorbikes since they are faster, no traffic involved and can penetrate the interior parts where tuk tuks cannot,” said Mrs. Miriam Muthoni on Friday.
On the other hand boda boda operators in the area are a happy lot.
Dan Mose who used to drive a tuk tuk on the Kibera – Yaya currently operates a boda boda on the Kibera –Kawangware route.
He said in a single day, he can get up to 20 passengers and that pays him well unlike his previous business.
“Motorbikes are good since they can make their way through traffic jams. They can also access the interior parts of any place you wish to drop your customers whereby the tuk tuk cannot access. This has led to the loss of business to the tuk tuk owners,” said Mose.