Boda Boda Economy: A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Risks of Motorcycle Transport for Rural Youth in Kenya

Samwel Kipkurui Chepkwony, Peter Gutwa Oino & Lumayo Mildred Fedha
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies
Kisii University
Email: araapchepkwony@yahoo.com

Abstract: Motorcycle transport, commonly referred to as boda boda, has emerged as a vital livelihood strategy for rural youth in Kenya, offering income, mobility, and social engagement amid limited employment opportunities. While it empowers young people economically, it also exposes them to risks, including accidents, substance use, gender-based vulnerabilities, and occasional involvement in crime. This paper presents a systematic and comparative review of empirical and grey literature from Kenya and similar low- and middle-income contexts, guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. Studies from 2005 to 2025 were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and relevant government and NGO reports, focusing on the socio-economic outcomes of commercial motorcycle transport for youth. Qualitative findings were thematically synthesized, and quantitative data narratively integrated. Findings indicate that boda boda work enhances income stability, enables asset accumulation, and strengthens social networks. However, structural vulnerabilities high accident rates, substance abuse, gender inequities, and weak regulation persist, reflecting broader issues of youth unemployment and informality. Comparative evidence from Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania suggests these challenges are common across similar contexts. Targeted interventions, including structured safety training, access to affordable credit, and stronger regulatory enforcement, can amplify socio-economic benefits while mitigating risks. By situating Kenya’s experience within African and global perspectives, this paper contributes to debates on youth employment, informal transport, and rural development, offering evidence-informed directions for research, policy, and practice aimed at fostering safe, sustainable, and inclusive livelihoods for rural youth.