Inside Boda Boda Business in Thika Where Bicycles and Motorcycles Compete for Customers

There are few towns in Kenya that are defined by a unique means of transport. A good example of such towns is Lamu Old Town, where people ride on donkeys, and Thika Town in Kiambu County, where people ride the traditional bicycles.

While traditional bicycle transport has for years been associated with counties in Western parts of Kenya, they have dominated Thika town, and commuters in the region, especially students, who account for the highest population in Thika, use them for their daily commute.

Due to their operational nature, which involves sweat and muscles, someone would think they are only used for short distances around the town, but the truth is those bicycles move customers to very far places such as Kiandutu, Kiganjo, and Makongeni.

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The beauty about Thika is that both the Bicycle and Motorcycle riders have learned to co-exist.  It is an enviable blend amidst stiff competition for customers in this busy town.

“Unlike in other areas, we cooperate between nduthi and bicycle operators, and we don’t fight for customers. We let them pick a ride of their choice,” Francis Kisili, a boda boda rider, said.

The town hosts over 200 bicycles that are preferred by many people for their daily commute as they are cheap compared to motorcycles.

“We charge differently. A distance motorcyclist asks for Sh50; we charge Sh20. So, the customer decides which means to pick. Sometimes our nduthi competitors direct them to us when they don’t agree on the fare,” Christophe Kinyika, a bicycle rider, said.

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Most of the Motorcyclists in Thika revealed they started off as bicycle riders and so they don’t undermine their competitors down there.

“Belittling them is like disrespecting the humble background you came from,” Samuel Mwangi, who owns a Nduthi, said.

“In Thika, our competitors who have advanced have maintained respect for us. This is not the case in many towns,” Charles Mucheru said.

On average, the cyclist takes home Sh400 while the motorcyclist Sh700 or more.