Gender Perspectives Of Motorcycle Mode Of Transport On Male And Female Users In Kisii County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Motorcycles have become a popular means of transport in most parts of the world. Indeed, in the last 10 years the number of motorcycles has doubled in many developing countries. The purpose of the study was to examine the gender perspectives of motorcycle transport in Keumbu subcounty, Kisii County. The objectives of the study were to establish the demographic characteristics of customers of motorcycle mode of transport in terms of gender, examine the socio-economic effects of motorcycle transport on men and women; explore safety and health problems that afflict men and women whouse this mode of transport and to identify gender sensitive strategies to mitigate the negative effects of motorcycle transport in Keumbu SubCounty, Kisii County.The study employed descriptive survey design. The study utilised purposive sampling technique to select respondents. The study was guided by A Social Role Theory. Data collection instruments included, interview schedules and focus group discussions guide. Data collection techniques included administration of interviews and focus group discussions to the respondents,secondary data was gathered in the period between 2011 to 2015. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and was presented in form of frequencies, percentages, tables and figures. The findings indicated that the frequent users of motorcycle transport in Keumbu Sub-County, Kisii County were school going boys and girls and male and female adults who engaged in trade and professional duties. The socioeconomic issues that emanated from motorcycle transport include moral decay, drug abuse and school drop out. The safety and health problems associated with motorcycle transport included criminal activities, respiratory diseases and impotence. The gender sensitive strategies to curb the negative effects of motorcycle transport included sensitization of motorcycle users on health risks and security measures and institutionalization of gender sensitive policies and regulations to ensure proper utilization of motorcycles. The conclusions of the study were that motorcycle transport was a popular mode of transport and had social, economic, safety and health challenges affecting male and female residents of Keumbu Sub-County, Kisii County. The study recommended the adoption of the following strategies; promotion of protective clothing, sensitization on appropriate security measures and timely medical care for motorcycle users. The areas for futher study include a similar study in other parts of the country to increase generalizability of the study findings across Kenya and a study aimed at improving the operations of motorcycles in order to attract more women operators.