Twitter storm as KOT debate Uber Taxi Wars
A storm was started on Twitter yesterday when social media bigwig Robert Alai tweeted screenshots allegedly from a group of city taxi operators who were plotting an attack on Uber drivers.
Uber is a taxi app which was launched in Kenya one year ago, and it connects registered taxi drivers and users using geo-location systems and a simple request process.
The app has gained popularity since its entry into the market, with many users opting for Uber cabs because of their competitive pricing.
— Teresa Mbagaya (@TeresaMbagaya) June 28, 2015
The Nairobi @Uber is real!!!! Yaya to Westlands KES 374! Great car. Great price. Great convenience. I'm in! #uberforlife
— Sarah Oyungu (@mizdiva) January 29, 2015
The app’s popularity has, expectedly, not gone down well with other taxi owners. Many have accused the international tech giant of offering unreasonable rates, with others resorting to violence in the face of this business disruption.
Responding to the social media clamour on Wednesday, Uber posted: “Recently, you may have heard of cases of isolated intimidation towards Uber driver-partners. These cases shock and sadden us, as these driver-partners are simply using the Uber platform to earn a living for themselves and their families.”
In response to cab drivers who complain that Uber is cannibalising taxi business in the city, the company stated that they are welcoming new partners to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
“Uber’s technology is open and available to all. Many taxi drivers have already signed up to use the Uber app as a way to increase the number of trips they make on a daily basis and boost their chances for profit, and we welcome more who want to join,” read the statement.
As discussions about the harassment faced by Uber drivers picked up on social media, the hash tag #UberTaxiWars shot to the top of Twitter trends, maintaining the position for the better part of the day.
Most Kenyans on Twitter (KOT), denounced the violence with many, like music star Daddy Owen, encouraging other taxi drivers to embrace technological advances.
Times have changed we must adapt or be phased out..Kenya taxi drivers beware technology haina huruma!#ubertaxiwars pic.twitter.com/Pvfw0nNGLf
— Daddy Owen (@daddyowenmusic) February 1, 2016
Instead of violence and trying to fight a tide that's stronger than you, innovate! #UberTaxiWars
— Pixel Guy (@sjmburu) January 31, 2016
U can't stop an idea whose time is finally here.Instead of fighting ,study competition & innovate 2 stay ahead of competition #UberTaxiWars
— Christopher Kirwa (@chriskirwa) February 1, 2016
As pictures of Uber vehicles that had allegedly been vandalised by irate competitors circulated on social media, KOT called on the police to act swiftly to quell the situation.
Where is @PoliceKE when innocent Kenyans are attacked? Let's see actions similar to those on bloggers #UberTaxiWars
— Eric O Owino (@ohweknow) February 2, 2016
One day they started undressing women with short skirts. One is spending 30 years in jail. That's how you sober them up. #UberTaxiWars
— Dikembe (@Disembe) February 1, 2016
On the flip side, one user noted that the violent taxi operators had shot themselves in the foot by harassing Uber drivers as the news coverage only served to raise the profile of the innovative company.
Taxi drivers harrasing Uber drivers somewhow have done them a favour,ninjas who did not know about Uber in Kenya now do #UberTaxiWars
— Kenyan Facts (@KResearcher) February 1, 2016
What is your take on the #UberTaxiWars? How would you compare the service offered by Uber and other taxi operators? Have your say in the comments section below.
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