Linah Momanyi is a TukTuk operator working from Mombasa County where he owns two of the auto rickshaws.
In an interview with Citizen TV, she detailed her journey to becoming a TukTuk operator after quitting her job at a chemist. READ FULL STORY
Momanyi noted that she was introduced to the TukTuk business by an acquaintance who frequented the chemist she worked at.
“While working at the chemist, I had a friend who was a TukTuk operator, I asked him about the business to which he explained what I needed,” she said.
After getting the right details about the business, Momanyi quit her job at the chemist where she had worked for 12 years to venture into the transport business.
“I started the business in 2013; I owned two TukTuks at the time that made at least Ksh 2,600 per day. I was satisfied with the returns and started buying secondhand TukTuks to expand my fleet,” she added.
Momanyi bought six more TukTuks before she eventually decided to get a brand new unit for Car&General, an automobile dealer.
With the high cost of maintenance, she decided to set up a spare parts shop where she also works from, and hired some mechanics.
“As a woman, this business has been of great help because I’m able to take care of my family and also build a house,” she said.
TukTuk business
The tuk-tuk business in Kenya has become a significant mode of transport, particularly in urban areas.
It offers an affordable and flexible alternative for short-distance travel, catering to a diverse clientele, including women and families.
Tuk-tuks are popular due to their ability to navigate congested streets, making them ideal for urban commuting.
They are often preferred over larger vehicles like matatus for their convenience and lower fares.
Despite the potential for profitability, the business faces challenges such as high competition and fluctuating demand.
Some regions, like Mombasa, have seen a decline in profitability, while others, such as Garissa, are emerging as new markets due to favorable demographics and demand patterns.
