We’ve all heard about the latest turn of events concerning revolts against Uber that took place on Sunday night. If you haven’t, well, the short of it was that an uber taxi was attacked along Kirichwa road and set ablaze. This was probably one of the more deadlier attacks, considering previous ones consisted of stoning the vehicles and puncturing their tires. Basically, Kenyan Taxi drivers are acting worse than the jealous evil vixens we watch on our soap operas. And just like those vixens, their fight for the man they love-or in this case, Kenyan customers-are in vain, as the same has hopelessly fallen for another.
If you’ve ever used Uber, you’d have to admit that it is easy to love. My first experience was a free ride, an offer I received as a first time user on the application during the pizza festival last year. I was completely anxious throughout the whole trip because taxis and free offers weren’t two ideals that came together traditionally. To my huge relief, the cab driver didn’t ask for a single cent once I reached my location. After that, my relationship with Uber grew steadily. I informed a few friends about the application and they similarly got hooked. This also meant more free rides for me, since you receive a small stipend worth a cab ride for every person you introduce the same to. Just recently, I received an email from my father requesting me to join the same, oh if he only knew. Even several of my work colleagues, being the lawyers they are, advocated vigorously for Uber in a heated discussion concerning the current issue of taxi revolts.
The inexpensive Uber cab rates have the love and admiration of the masses, so why banish it? So we can go back to hiked taxi prices, and give up on comfortable and affordable private transport? I think not, and I’m certain that I’m not the only one who feels this way. Concerned citizens post comments on their social medias showing their distaste of the destructive activities exercised by the Kenyan cab operators, while radio stations receive calls from people objectifying the same during their entertaining discussions. Certainly with their desperate attempts to drive Uber out of the country, they have also incurred a loss in public confidence.
A little competition among appropriate businesses was never an illegal matter, nor should it be a reason to cause violent outbursts against any business. In order to ensure that this country develops positively, change in attitude, structure, and procedure is essential. Advice local taxi drivers should take to heart.
