Abstract: Motorcycles basically known as boda boda in Kenya play a very important role in the transport sector. Boda boda enterprise is male dominated with some women showing interest in joining it, however, with challenges. Women’s entrepreneurship is designated as the new engine of economic growth in developing countries. Prior research shows how men and women differ in starting a business, with women normally facing more restrictions on entrepreneurial performance. This study sought to investigate the influence of women’s inclusion in boda boda management in household livelihood sustainability in Homa-Bay Town Sub-County, Kenya. Social Network theory guided this study. The study used a descriptive design approach. The study employed a simple random sampling procedure to select the study participants. The study sample size was 366 boda boda riders and spouses selected out of the 170 stages of operation in the Homabay Town Sub-County. The study employed both descriptive statistics and qualitative methods to analyse data. The study found that women offer social support, financial and managerial support when involved in boda boda enterprise management hence improving its management for better economic growth. The study recommends including women in boda boda enterprise management because it has a positive impact that enhances the growth of the enterprise and offers social, financial, and sustainable growth of the household.

Received December 24, 2020; Revised December 28, 2020; Accepted December 31, 2020

Abstract: Road safety is one of the biggest challenges facing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although there could be other factors leading to road crashes, literature indicates that rider training is an important aspect in motorcycle safety. This study sought to establish the levels of formal rider training among boda boda riders in Kisumu, and how it influences motorcycle safety. The study examined rider characteristics, the nature of rider training and possession of valid licenses. The study also sought to test whether there was no significant relationship between rider training and accident involvement rates among riders of boda boda motorcycles. It adopted a descriptive research design and employed cluster sampling and systematic random sampling to recruit the study participants. A sample of 70 riders were selected from a population of 10,000 riders in Kisumu. Quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study found that formal rider training levels were low and recommended that the government, through NTSA, ensure training for riders through subsidizing the training fee. In addition, NTSA needed to come up with a standardized training manual that is implemented and audited periodically. This contributes to empirical knowledge on motorcycle safety and may contribute to targeted interventions in road safety.