NAIROBI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's motorbike taxis industry plans to embrace Chinese models in order to increase their revenues, an official said on Tuesday.
Kevin Mubadi, president of the motorbikes safety association of Kenya, told Xinhua in Nairobi that Chinese brands are more durable and affordable as compared to other brands.
"Chinese motorcycles are the most popular in Kenya because of their low cost of operation and maintenance," Mubadi said during the Cheki Car Awards. The most popular Chinese brands include Haojin and Skygo.
Mubadi said that the entry of the Chinese-made motorcycles into the Kenyan market has expanded the sector from a niche industry to one of the largest employers in the country.
"We estimate that there at least 1.1 million motorcycle riders who earn a living from the sector," he added.
Mubadi noted that the easy access to motorbikes has resulted in more youths being gainfully employed and more young adults have been empowered to start families from their steady income streams.
"The cost of travel especially in the rural areas, where markets and social services such as hospitals are far away, has also been decreased," he observed.
The industry has urged the government to remove all taxes levied on the motorcycles in order to enhance their affordability. Enditem
