Empowering Change: Kenya's Boda Girls Transforming Motorcycle Taxi Industry

Sat Jul 26 2025 05:27:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Empowering Change: Kenya's Boda Girls Transforming Motorcycle Taxi Industry

In Kenya, women are breaking gender norms by joining the motorcycle taxi profession, providing crucial services to pregnant women and challenging traditional roles.


The rise of "Boda Girls" in Kenya highlights women's empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through extensive training and resilience, these women are providing essential transportation services, often catering to pregnant women in need, while navigating societal challenges.



In a remarkable shift within Kenya’s motorcycle taxi industry, a new program has emerged aiming to empower women by training them to become motorcycle taxi drivers, popularly known as "Boda Girls." This initiative is especially significant in a field that has long been dominated by men.

Take the case of Monica Atieno, a 29-year-old mother of three from Ukwala, a small town in western Kenya. Faced with food insecurity, she ventured into this profession despite her husband’s initial anger upon learning about her plans. After undergoing rigorous training, Ms. Atieno now rides her motorbike proudly, serving as one of only about 1,000 women among an estimated 2.5 million motorcycle taxi drivers across the country.

The journey has been fraught with challenges, from existing harassment in a male-centric workspace to disapproval from family and peers. Yet, the “Boda Girls” are not just claiming their space; they are also emphasizing their unique role in the community by catering specially to pregnant women needing urgent rides to hospitals. Their presence in the industry is gradually reshaping perceptions about women’s capabilities in Kenya.

In Ukwala, a town where traditional occupations like fishing and farming dominate the employment landscape, women are now redefining societal roles. Despite societal expectations, these women are gaining independence and support, dispelling myths surrounding motorcycling as a male-only domain. With resilience, determination, and empowerment, the Boda Girls exemplify how gender barriers can be dismantled, paving the way for social change in East Africa.

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