Motorcycle repair has emerged as one of the most profitable ventures in Kenya’s informal sector, driven by the rapid growth of the boda boda industry and increasing demand for affordable maintenance services.
For a group of young mechanics in Kisumu, the trade has become more than a source of income; it has created jobs, transformed livelihoods and offered hope to other youth seeking sustainable employment.
At Lake View Auto Garage in Mamboleo Estate, Kisumu, 31-year-old Brian Ouma and his colleagues have built a thriving business by restoring damaged motorcycles that many people would otherwise consign to the scrapyard.
Brian established the garage in 2020 after spending nearly seven years as an apprentice. Raised in Manyatta Estate, he watched his parents struggle to support the family.
Financial constraints forced him to abandon his college education, prompting him to pursue motorcycle mechanics at a neighbourhood workshop.
The early years were difficult, with long hours yielding little income.
“It wasn’t easy in the beginning,” he recalls. “Sometimes I worked for an entire day and earned almost nothing. But I knew that if I became skilled, one day I would own my own garage,” he told KNA.
Today, Brian works alongside fellow mechanics Kevin Onyango and Peter Ochieng, repairing motorcycles damaged in road accidents or abandoned after owners deemed them too costly to fix.
The trio purchases damaged motorcycles, overhauls engines, replaces worn-out components, repaints frames and resells the refurbished bikes at affordable prices. They also offer routine servicing, repair services and spare parts to customers.
Their workshop attracts between 10 and 15 customers daily, including boda boda operators, delivery riders and private motorcycle owners.
On a good day, the business records revenue of between Sh15,000 and Sh25,000. After meeting expenses such as spare parts, rent, electricity bills and workers’ wages, the garage posts an estimated daily profit of between Sh5,000 and Sh8,000.
“The profit depends on the type of repairs,” he explains. “Some days are slow, but when we rebuild and sell a motorcycle, the returns are much better.”
Despite the business’s success, the mechanics continue to grapple with several challenges.
Among the biggest concerns is the rising cost of genuine motorcycle spare parts, coupled with an influx of counterfeit products that make it difficult to maintain quality while keeping repair costs affordable.
They also cite increasing rent and electricity costs, which continue to erode profit margins. Business activity often slows during the rainy season when fewer motorcycle owners seek major repairs.
The mechanics further contend with stereotypes associated with their profession.
“Some people think mechanics are school dropouts with no future,” Peter says. “But this profession requires knowledge, patience and continuous learning because motorcycle technology keeps changing.”
Even so, the workshop has built a loyal customer base through quality workmanship and transparency.
Beyond generating income, Lake View Auto Garage has become a training ground for aspiring mechanics. Brian regularly takes in apprentices, saying mentorship is essential for preserving technical skills and creating opportunities for young people.
“Every skilled mechanic started somewhere,” he says. “If we don’t train young people, these skills could disappear.”
He advises aspiring mechanics to prioritise discipline, integrity and continuous learning over the pursuit of quick financial gains.
“Don’t chase quick money. Learn the basics, respect customers, be honest and keep improving your skills. A good reputation is more valuable than any advertisement.”
Looking ahead, Brian plans to transform Lake View Auto Garage into one of Kisumu’s leading motorcycle service centres by investing in modern diagnostic equipment, employing more young mechanics and opening a spare-parts shop to lower repair costs for customers.
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