Kenya: Uber attacks by traditional taxis

The Kenyan government has launched investigations into the recent attacks in the city of Nairobi on the harassment of taxi operators.

This comes days after attacks on taxi drivers operating with transportation network company Uber by traditional taxi drivers and criminal gangs in Nairobi.

‘‘The government takes this opportunity to send a strong word to those behind the attacks of such barbaric acts that it cannot and shall not be tolerated,’‘ a statement from the ministry read.

Statement on attack on Uber taxis crew. pic.twitter.com/3AoWUXKnSg

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) February 2, 2016

According to reports, the violence is as a result of traditional taxi drivers claiming that they are experiencing undue competition due too undercutting and ‘unfair’ trade practice.

Kenya’s Taxi Cab Association has demanded that Uber suspend its operations.

“What they are doing they have done the under cutting of the fares whereas ourselves we have the tariffs for the fares we charge within and out of the cities,” Job Nzioka, Organising Secretary of Kenya Taxi Cab Association said.

Uber launched its operations in Kenya in January 2015 and has been hailed for its convenience.

With operations in over 60 countries, Nairobi is not the first and only city that Uber has sparked protests.

To use an Uber taxi, one simply has to download the Uber app on their phone and request for a cab from anywhere. Once a driver accepts your request, their information, that is, name, photo and car registration number appear.