Walking around the city, it's hard to miss the numerous tuk tuk operators eagerly looking for passengers in various locations.

The increase in the number of operators of the three-wheeled taxis, which are mostly found in the Central Business District (CBD), is no coincidence, but a result of Nakuru County's growing economy.

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Mtaa Wangu spoke to Jaoko John Mark, popularly known as Majuu, who has been operating a tuk-tuk in Nakuru for the past five years.

Majuu explains that unlike in the past, more people have ventured into the business after realising its potential for high income.

As a result, the streets not only in the CBD but also in other parts of the city have become overcrowded with tuk tuks.

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Their increased numbers have led to clashes with other public service vehicle operators claiming ownership of drop-off and pick-up zones.

Majuu reveals that the platform from which he now operates didn't even exist. He even recounts a personal experience of being physically assaulted by county officials before the stage was established.

Eventually, he and a few other drivers pooled their resources to buy a space in the city, and in 2021 it was officially recognised as a legitimate pick-up point exclusively for tuk tuks.

This opened up the tuk-tuk business, resulting in various pick-up and drop-off zones being identified. These include Riva petrol station, Naivas supermarket in the city centre, Mache hardware plaza, Gilanis supermarket, Easy coach, Westside Mall, Mengai High School, the main stage and Kolen.

These stages serve as special hubs where tuk-tuk drivers can find passengers.

But the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the high cost of living have now affected the tuk-tuk business. For example, regular travel patterns of passengers have been disrupted, resulting in lower revenues.

Majuu also mentions the challenge of attracting passengers. Drivers sometimes go up to two hours without finding a single passenger, which further affects their earning potential and livelihood.

The tuk tuk invasion that is changing the face of Nakuru CBD

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Mercy Protas