Busia residents ditch boda bodas for walking as fuel prices bite

Bodaboda operators in Busia County are raising concerns over declining business following a rise in fuel prices, which they say has increased operating costs and forced some riders to seek cheaper fuel in neighbouring Uganda.

The operators say the higher petrol prices have squeezed their profit margins, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses and support their families.

Speaking in Busia town, the riders said attempts to increase fares to offset the rising fuel costs have met resistance from customers, some of whom have opted to walk or use alternative means of transport rather than pay the higher rates.

They added that the drop in demand has left many operators spending hours at their stages without securing customers, further reducing their daily earnings.

Some riders have resorted to crossing the border into Uganda to buy fuel at what they consider more affordable prices, as they seek to cut operating costs and remain in business.

Livingstone Nyongesa, a rider, said, "It has become unsustainable to operate a boda boda because of the rising fuel costs. I might have to look for an alternative business."

His colleague, Stephen Omoit, said, "Some of our patrons are now resorting to walking because we had to increase fares and it has become expensive for them."

The operators say the situation threatens the livelihoods of young people who depend on the bodaboda sector for income, while also affecting access to affordable transport in the border town.