How this mum of six made it into the male dominated bodaboda business

For over a decade, Carolyne Nangami has defied the odds, carving out a space for herself in the male-dominated boda boda transport sector.

As one of the few women navigating the bustling streets on two wheels, she stands out among an estimated 60,000 men in the industry.

Her journey began in 2012 after her grocery business in Isiolo failed to take off. With her husband serving in the military and five children to support through school, Nangami knew she had to find another source of income.

The boda boda trade, though unconventional for women, became her unlikely but empowering path forward.

She was first trained to ride by her husband, and occasionally she would ride him to the military infantry base and for weekend couple outings.

But as she grew more skilled, she decided to put her abilities to the test for business purposes – and to her amazement, it worked!

Nangami began ferrying clients around Isiolo town and its environs, earning a few coins during her initial trial period. This motivated her.

Among her first clients was a woman in the military infantry whom she rode to her workplace. Donned in a nylon tracksuit and a helmet, her client assumed she was being ridden by a man.

“Upon alighting, madam asked me to follow her into her office where she could pay me for the service. I removed my helmet and that’s when she realised I was a woman,” Nangami recalls.

The mother of six – one now deceased – says the client, who only identified herself as Naisula, was so amazed that she called her colleagues to witness the moment.

Mesmerised, the soldiers gifted Nangami with many goodies, and she rode back on her loaded bike, smiling all the way. This greatly inspired her.

She notes that the business gave her good returns, averaging Sh4,000 per day. In addition to support from her husband, who had bought the bike, she enjoyed the work.

“In Isiolo, business was good since they paid more for shorter distances compared to other places I’ve worked. One would pay up to Sh300 for a two-kilometre ride, so the returns were decent,” she disclosed.

From November that same year, a surge in insecurity forced them to reconsider their situation. After consulting with her husband, they decided that she and the children should relocate back home to Kitale.

They sold the bike to a friend and travelled back to Namanjalala village in Kwanza Sub-county. Driven by her growing passion, she acquired a new bike with her husband's help and resumed operations.

Her fame grew in Kitale, though not without discouragement and condemnation, particularly from those who believed boda boda riding was not a woman’s job.

In the heart of Kitale town, at the then Oilibya petrol station, one could easily spot Nangami looking for clients – although it often required a keen eye to realise she was a woman, as she typically dressed in heavy clothing.

This is the usual stage for the woman who has since become an icon – a symbol of a woman thriving in a patriarchal society.

Initially, she says, many clients were afraid of being ferried by a woman, fearing she wouldn’t be able to manoeuvre well in the crowded town filled with vehicles and motorbikes.

But slowly, she transitioned from ferrying clients in the countryside areas of Namanjalala, Kapsitwet, Endebess, Suam and other remote places to town stages, where she was warmly received.

“I once rode a personal assistant to the county woman representative, who later introduced me to her boss – and that uplifted me,” she revealed.

Nangami says she has frequently been used as a role model among women, inspiring them to venture into various fields regardless of gender.

But her journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges, including clients who refused to pay and others who were reluctant to be ferried by a woman.

However, once clients got used to Nangami, she began receiving privileges – some would pay and ask her to keep the change.

She has since undergone training in boda boda riding and safety, enabling her to ride carefully and at a moderate speed. Nangami is now an elected official of a major boda boda sacco in Kitale and is doing well.

Terry Chesang’, who has been her client for about eight months, is glad to have found a female rider to drop her off at school.

The Form Two student at a local school says she feels safer with Nangami than with male riders.

“Most of the male boda bodas are young and you rarely complete a journey without vague proposals for intimate relationships. It’s very bothersome to me. Since I learnt about Nangami, she’s always ferried me,” said Chesang’.

The 16-year-old adds that she has benefited from Nangami’s wise counsel during their rides, especially on matters of sexuality and how to overcome challenges young girls face.

A fellow rider and friend at the County Assembly stage, Paul Wafubwa, is proud of Nangami’s bravery. He describes her as an industrious woman full of vigour, which attracts more clients.

“We initially ridiculed her and made jokes, but after observing her closely, we realised how wrong we were and changed our tune. We now support her and encourage other women to join,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Daniel Simiyu, who operates town services. Simiyu, who rides a Honda 150CC, says he has admired Nangami’s conduct over time.

“I once challenged her to a speed test, but she declined. She calmly explained how irrelevant and dangerous it is to engage in safari rally-like games on a bike – and I heeded the advice,” said the young boda boda operator.

“I think people who say that a man shouldn't ride on the back of a motorcycle driven by a woman are not being candid. What next – that we shouldn’t be passengers in a car driven by a woman? How about female bus or cab drivers?” he posed.

Thanks to the boda boda business, Nangami has developed her plot in Kitale’s Liavo estate and opened a shop to supplement her income.

She has overcome stereotypes and beliefs that certain tasks are the preserve of men.

However, balancing life as a wife, mother and boda boda rider is no easy feat. She prepares meals for her family while also attending to clients at her new shop. “But man must live,” she says with a smile.

Nangami prepares her pre-primary children for school early and only leaves the house after all the children have gone. She returns home to prepare lunch, and in the evening, she reports to her shop.

Her first-born son is in Form Three and initially disliked her work. However, he has come to understand their need for full parental support in order to progress.

She urges leaders to enhance access to financial support and other essentials for women as part of affirmative action, enabling them to grow and compete fairly in the job market.

The entry of women into the boda boda sub-sector is seen as a major revolution.

With an estimated turnover of Sh980 million per day from close to 1.4 million boda boda riders nationwide, authorities have been urged to support the industry.

In October, President Uhuru Kenyatta led by example by launching the Boda Boda Investment Scheme. The scheme, a partnership between the Boda Boda Safety Association (BAK) and its partners, helps members save part of their earnings.

Partners include the Capital Markets Authority, Rubis Energy and NABO Capital, who have played key roles in driving the scheme.

The scheme also provides services such as training, legal representation, and investment opportunities.

The Head of State disclosed that the boda boda transport sub-sector supports 5.2 million Kenyans either directly or indirectly.