Boda-boda operators in Siaya County have decried the recent increase in fuel prices saying the hike adversely affected their operations.
Currently petrol per liter in Siaya retails at 179.83 with diesel and kerosene at 166.04 and 149 respectively.
Tyson Ouma, a boda boda operator in Siaya town said that following the increment of fuel prices, riders are now facing a hard time to break even in the business as most of the clients are also unwilling or unable to cope with the new charges.
“We have been forced to also increase our charges to sometimes even double the previous amounts to cushion ourselves from running losses as operators,” said Ouma.
Mr Bernard Ouma, a member of Siaya County Boda Boda Association has pleaded with the new government of President Dr. William Ruto to be considerate of the mwananchi when setting fuel prices as high prices negatively impact on the cost of doing business especially in the transport sector.
Boda boda operators in Siaya are also pleaded with both levels of government at National and county levels for support in growing and regulating the boda-boda sub-sector as it plays a crucial role in job creation at a time when the country is grappling with unemployment especially for the youth.