Motorcycle Transport In Kenya And Its Security Implications A Case Of North Imenti Meru Sub-County

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects public motorcycle transport on security due to alleged unregulation. The objectives of this study were to examine the nature of crime associated with motorcycles use, establish reasons why motorcycles operators do not strive to have their motorcycles registered, and assess initiatives employed by the county government to curb motorcycles related crimes in view of proposing measures for the industries safe operations. This study focused on three wards of the north Imenti sub-county where sample elements were derived. The study was underpinned on securitization and constructivism theory which describes an issue as being a security threat if the population or audience deems it to be so. Where else, constructivism theory puts emphasizes on the world being what we make of it. Descriptive research design was the blue print that was used in the study to systematically describe facts of the population under study which are residents of North Imenti Sub County, consisting of a sample size of 110 derived from a population of 110,000 using random sampling technique. Lastly, data was collected through face to face interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires which was then analysed and interpreted by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences commonly referred to as (SPSS). The findings of the study indicate that 94% of the riders operating as commercial transporters had riding license which is good and commendable but way over half accounting for 56% were not genuine riding licenses. Another finding showed that lack of enforcement by the relevant authorities accounting for 54% was quite surprising. The study recommends that relevant body in charge of registration of motorcycles which is the NTSA, to ensure that a re-registration exercise is conducted. Further and extensive study on the implications motorcycle transport has on security but in a widened scope to capture others regions of the country.