BODABODA

Bodaboda, the word is said to have originated from the border of Malaba and Busia, the common borders between Kenya and Uganda. The word, however, started like a broken English, which to mean that, a bodaboda to meant border-to-border ride. Bodaboda business, though it starts like a profession for the low-income earners: it has always been maintaining the lead in the industry. The families that could never sustain their livelihoods in the city due to job scarcity jobs did this long ago.

Though the birth began at the border, bodaboda business has never shy off its operation since then; to find its way to the urban centers of Jinja, Soroti and Jinja on the Ugandan’s side and Malaba, (Malaba Kenya) Kakamega and Bungoma among other small towns on the Kenyan side.

It didn’t stop there, it went on to the neighboring countries; and, today, in Juba and Kampala, bodaboda business is one of the small-scale businesses that have the courage to pay the bills and sending kids to school.

In Juba and across South Sudan in general, bodaboda business is one of the sources for employment or small investments for the people in the city and growing towns to generate income.

Unlike starting an auto car dealer point or a transport SACCO, bodaboda business you can start with the least capital. It requires few legal documents.

It might not be a brand new SENKE or YAHMA to start your investment scheme; it can be secondhand BAJAJ in a good condition. When we say good condition, we don’t mean “good condition,” we don’t means the one that is at the death bay. There should be thorough inspections before you blue tick it to ascertain yourself that it will keep your business in motion for sometime before you buy the one of your choice. Not the liability that will be your every day’s headache.

Just like any other small businesses around the globe, bodaboda business is one of business that can thrive easily.

If you’re looking forward starting one, then here are the things you should look into: Actually, let’s call them the bodaboda doctrines:

Identify a motorcycle: We all know that the only popular motorcycle in this city is SENKE. Don’t ask me why? Because most Toronto Boys have been spotted ridding on them when they wants to carry out their hoodlums. This is not the narrative behind it. By identifying a bike that will aid you in running your business. Identify the motorcycle that will last for long. Regardless of whether it’s Senke, Yamha, or whatever it’s, just make a concrete choice that will not haunt you later.

Raise the Capital: Not all of us could have the money to start a chain of a bodaboda business or start a Safe Boda like the one we have just seen in Uganda. You can start with one if your source of income is too minimal. A brand new motorcycle in our current market costs roughly SSP 300,000 – SSP 380,000, which, if you equates it to the hard currency, might costs you about $1000 – $1500, each.

Get a valid license: Well, rules are rules, whether they’re bake in vacuums or ovens or open spaces, your license is a prestige to let you run your business without pestering around with every traffic police when they meet you. Get your license not because you might never be stopped at any junction by any legal authority, but because it’s a legal process because you may never know what will happen tomorrow.

Choose a location/station: My friend James Magar and his colleagues situated themselves between Concord House and Karen Hotel. On this street, there are people that come in and out of the two premises: shopping at the clothes stores or sipping coffee in the evening at Karen Hotel. Just like any other business, a bodaboda can easily aid you; but only if well planned.

TIPS

Whilst you’re busy thinking of where and when to start your bodaboda business, here are your take home tips too.

Riding Cautions: Your clients’ safety should be your prime duty. We know that Juba and South Sudan’s bodaboda law says nothing about this but make it responsibility, for your own good and that of your clients. Ride per their standards. When they’re roar words like berah, endeavor to do it.

Be Reliable: Make it your duty to be the one that the clients counts on in any time of the day or night. Always avail yourself when they’re in need of you. You’re building a long relationship with them.

Dress Well: Hey, Juba is hot. Put on something simple and nice to make you look more presentable in the eyes of your clients. Since bodabodas rarely put on their “suits”, kindly make it your own obligation because there are those clients that will choose you by the way you dress.

Be Societal: This will help you more than just working in more than two stations. To be societal to your clients will always make it easy to have any access or becoming the chosen “prince” among many, which will help you to go to places. James Magar is that guy that I will go with, no matter what, as long as he is at the station.