Mombasa: The public transport and storage sector is a crucial component of Kenya’s economy, contributing an average of eight to nine per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector, encompassing road, rail, air, and pipeline systems, generates between Sh200 billion and Sh400 billion annually, with road transport being the most prevalent mode for moving people and goods throughout the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, tuktuks have become an increasingly popular form of road transport in Kenya. These three-wheeled vehicles, also known as auto-rickshaws, are used mainly as taxis and for transporting small quantities of goods over short distances. Their affordability and versatility have made them a common sight in many towns across Kenya.
Originating in early 20th-century Japan as motorized delivery tricycles, tuktuks gained global popularity post-World War II. By the 1960s, they had been imported to Thailand and modified into passenger taxis, replacing traditional rickshaws and becoming a staple of urban transport in cities like Bangkok. The vehicles were introduced to Kenya around 1990, initially gaining traction in coastal towns such as Mombasa, before spreading to other urban centres.
Currently, about 15,000 to 17,000 registered tuktuks operate in Mombasa and other parts of Kenya, as reported by the Ministry of Transport. For investors, tuktuks offer a steady income opportunity, with petrol-powered models yielding a monthly profit of Sh20,000 to Sh30,000, while electric models or owner-operated vehicles can earn over Sh50,000 due to lower fuel costs.
Vincent Otieno, a longtime Kisumu resident, views his tuktuk as more than just a means of transport-it is his livelihood. Operating in the lakeside city for over a decade, Vincent finds the business both a reliable income source and a personal passion. “This business has been my primary source of income and employment,” he says. “On a good day, I take home more than Sh2,500 after deducting fuel costs.”
However, the industry faces significant challenges, including rising fuel costs, which have reduced profit margins. Vincent notes that the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering effects disrupted travel patterns and economic activity, while the rising cost of spare parts and maintenance has further strained operators.
Vincent advises aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize ownership over borrowing, cautioning against taking loans due to current income levels that may not sustain both repayment and daily operations. Despite these challenges, tuktuks remain a vital part of Kisumu’s transport system, offering advantages like affordability, capacity to carry more goods than motorcycles, and the ability to navigate narrow and congested areas.
Even with rising operational costs, tuktuks are relatively fuel-efficient for short-distance trips, enhancing their appeal. As economic pressures persist, operators like Vincent demonstrate resilience, highlighting the sector’s importance in sustaining livelihoods and supporting urban mobility.
Looking forward, Vincent is optimistic about expanding his business by acquiring more tuktuks and employing additional operators. Ultimately, he hopes to invest in lorries to venture into long-distance transport.
