| dc.description.abstract | Motorcycle transport is one of the new modes of public road transport currently used in Kenya. However, as commercial motorcycle transport gains acceptance due to various reasons, its safety is becoming a serious problem owing to the many risks associated with it. The purpose of this research was to examine commercial motorcycle transport safety within marketplaces of Siaya County, its socio-economic impacts on the riders as well as its environmental impacts. It sought to find out the significant factors of motorcycle safety, socio-economic impacts on rider, environment and to propose strategies to enhance motorcycle transport safety within marketplaces. The study was premised on the systems approach theory and the Haddon matrix. The Sampling for the study was done in 5 marketplaces and towns of Siaya County with estimated population of 2015 riders from which the sample size was derived. Systematic random sampling technique was used to administer 215 questionnaires to the riders while purposive sampling was used for 12 interviews. The data was collected using key informant interviews, questionnaires (Structured and unstructured) and observations. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages and averages were used for descriptive data while multiple regression for inferential statistics in an SPSS (I 6) environment. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Maps, pictures, graphs, charts, and tables were utilized in the presentation of results. The study found significant factors of safety at 95% confidence level to be; Bad roads, Drugs and drunken driving, Reckless riding, and Lack of helmet and appropriate dressing and Hours of operation. Earnings help riders sustain their families. The study recommends proper accident reporting, Infrastructure planning and upgrading, effective law enforcement measures and training of motorcycle riders. The County should provide continuous public training on road safety awareness programs. This will provide knowledge, and change perceptions on road safety practices in market places of Siaya County. The information may be used in county's transport policy development and improvement. | en_US |