bodaboda

How to say it

Meaning

A motorcycle, or in some places a bicycle, used to carry paying passengers, common across East Africa; also the rider who does this work.

Good to know

N class noun, the same in singular and plural; the rider is dereva wa bodaboda or simply bodaboda. The name comes from border to border, from the first bicycle taxis at the Kenya and Uganda border.

Examples

• Nilipanda bodaboda hadi stendi ya basi.I took a motorcycle taxi to the bus station.
• Madereva wa bodaboda wanatakiwa kuvaa kofia ngumu.Motorcycle taxi riders must wear helmets.
• Bodaboda zimerahisisha usafiri vijijini.Motorcycle taxis have made rural travel easier.