Determinants of Participation of Women in Employment Public Transport: A Case of Matatu Sub-Sector in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Today, transport sector is an equal employer incorporation of both men and women. Despite the fact that women make up almost the half of the world population, they don't have opportunity to represent the same proportion in economic activities and employment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the transport industry in Thika Township, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: examine the working conditions that influence women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township; identify the societies' perceptions towards women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township; determine the experiences of women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township; establish strategies that can be used to encourage women to participate in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township. The study was anchored by Social Dominance and Cultural Modernity Theories. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey. The study targeted 30 registered SACCOs with 100 Matatu owners and 540 matatu workers all totaling to 670 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 SACCO managers and 30 matatu owners. A total of 164 matatu workers were also selected using simple random sampling. This .translated to a total sample of 204 respondents. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules as data collection tools. Piloting was done to check on suitability and the clarity of the questions on the instruments. Quantitative data were edited, entered into a computer and analyzed using descriptive statics such as frequency and percentages with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Tables were used to present the data. Qualitative data from open-ended items in the questionnaires, interview guides and focused group discussions were organized into common themes, presented in direct quotes and discussed as per the objectives of the study. Findings of the study revealed that not all women working in the transport sector worked in a good condition. There was a significant association between perceptions and women's participation in transport industry. Women also experienced various forms of violence including labeling and sexual harassment. The study concluded that schedules of matatus were not affected by gender difference since the services were routine. The study also concluded that women continuously experience harassment in all places including the work places despite the efforts that have been put placed to empower them. The study recommended that stakeholders in public transport sector need to redesign work conditions such as. schedules, time and flexibility challenges to enable women participate effectively to earn a living.