Assessment of Occupational Health Hazards and Safety Needs of Commercial Motorcyclists in, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Petrolina Chepchumba Bore., Prof. Wilkister N. Moturi and Dr. Ramadhan L. Mawenzi
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Petrolina Chepchumba Bore.: Department of Environmental Science, Egerton University
Prof. Wilkister N. Moturi: Department of Environmental Science, Egerton University
Dr. Ramadhan L. Mawenzi: Community Health Department, Egerton University

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 2024, vol. 11, issue 6, 415-426

Abstract: In Kenya, the commercial motorcycle (boda boda) industry is one of the largest informal sector employing over 2 million riders and is a source of livelihood to 5 million Kenyans. Unprecedented levels of youth unemployment in Uasin Gishu County have driven novice riders to venture into the boda boda business with minimal recourse of the occupational hazards and risks they will be exposed to. The objective of the study was to generate data on predominant occupational health hazards among commercial motorcyclists in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study used a cross-sectional research design. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants to the desired sample size of 368. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control measures (HIRAC), tool. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the findings, psychosocial, physical and ergonomic hazards featured as the predominant occupational hazards among commercial riders in Uasin Gishu County. The results revealed that stress is a significant psychosocial health hazard affecting the wellbeing and safety of boda boda riders in the County. Additionally, the study established that the prolonged static sitting posture adopted by riders is a key ergonomic risk factor thus predisposes riders to the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study recommends for interventions aimed at enhancing capacity and behavior change in the boda boda sector through refinement of the training curriculum, concerted sensitization on statutory requirements and strict enforcement of safety laws to enhance occupational safety in the boda boda industry during the 2nd UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.

Date: 2024
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