By REUBEN OLITA
April 13, 2026| A 29-year-old single mother from Amagoro in Teso North Sub-County has made a heartfelt appeal to President William Ruto, seeking assistance to acquire a motorcycle that she says would transform her livelihood and secure her children’s future.
Caren Ichasi, a mother of four, says she spent eight years as a boda boda rider and believes returning to the trade would significantly improve her income.
“I was a boda boda rider for eight years with vast experience. Things took a nosedive when the owner repossessed the motorcycle. With no alternative, I ventured into small-scale business,” she said.
Currently, Caren survives by selling groundnuts and eggs in local joints around Amagoro. However, she notes that the business is unreliable due to low purchasing power among customers.
“I started with just two kilograms of groundnuts and a crate of eggs. Sometimes I don’t even make enough to meet daily needs,” she added.
Despite her challenges, Caren remains determined. She occasionally takes up casual jobs such as washing clothes or digging to supplement her income.
A passion for the road
Caren insists that her comparative advantage lies in the boda boda sector, where she has years of experience.
“If I am given an opportunity to own a motorcycle, I am confident I can provide for my family. This is what I know best,” she said.
Although she admits she does not yet have a formal driving licence, she maintains that she is skilled and experienced, having operated motorcycles including the popular 125cc models and Bajaj brands.
Struggles of a single mother
Her journey has been marked by personal hardships. Caren lost her first husband in a tragic accident. Her subsequent relationships also ended, leaving her solely responsible for raising four children.
One of her children suffers from asthma, further stretching her already limited resources.
“Life is difficult. I have to pay rent, school fees, and medical bills. Sometimes I don’t know where the next meal will come from,” she said.
Direct appeal to the President
Caren now hopes that President William Ruto—whom she describes as a champion of small-scale traders—will hear her plea.
“I voted for you, and I believe in your support for mama mboga. Please help me get a motorcycle. It will change my life and help me educate my children,” she appealed.
Dreams beyond survival
While owning a motorcycle is her immediate goal, Caren has bigger dreams. She hopes to one day buy land and build a permanent home, freeing herself from the burden of rent.
“I want to have my own place and even grow vegetables to supplement my income,” she said.
For now, her appeal remains simple yet urgent: a chance to regain stability, dignity, and hope through a tool she already knows how to use—a motorcycle.