Boda boda operators in Machakos county are now protesting against the new tax levies introduced over the purchase of motorbikes.

Boda boda operators in Machakos county are now protesting against the new tax levies introduced over the purchase of motorbikes.

The operators say the move by the government to impose a 15% tax on motorcycles business has thrown the venture into disarray denying it a future. The group suggests that those investing in the industry should be ready to multiply their business resources to other opportunities or be responsible and willing to bear the brunt of the new market challenges.

Machakos county bodaboda operators chair Allan Musembi observes that the distressing challenges are denying them the ability to adapt the effect of change.

According to Musembi, a bodaboda rider faces an all-round game of chain. First, the new bike is now taxed meaning that the price has gone higher. Secondly, numerous school dropouts and nomadic morans have ventured in the same field giving it high competition and low returns. Ultimately, due to the covid pandemic and its ever presence, they are only allowed to ferry one customer at a time meaning that they are forced to spend more on fuel than before. To add salt to the injury, the prospect of vicious and unscrupulous persons who disguise themselves as boda riders and later on carry their heinous atrocities have in the recent past spoiled the confidence and trust in the industry.

Mustapha, another boda boda rider laments that this would affect livelihoods, predicting that they’re anticipating hard-hitting times ahead.

However, they’re advising riders to walk through the path with extra caution, because of the prevalent and prevailing demands. That notwithstanding, they want the government to lower the price of fuel as most of them are still reeling from shocks of covid 19 restrictions which have reduced the earning for many operators.