Chap Chap…

Nairobi’s notorious transport infrastructure is tightening its stranglehold upon the health and patience of city commuters daily. Eye watering and visible black acrid diesel exhaust choke the peak time air whilst ageing poorly maintained vehicles grind into gridlock on a daily basis. On a main arterial route, six lines of frustration morph into eight annexing the central reservation whilst kicking up clouds of red dust. Tempers flare, metal grinds with metal; all serenaded by a cacophony of frustrated motor horns.

Ever adaptable and hungry for a bigger slice of growing commuter pie, Uber has already corralled boda -boda for the white-knuckles on a budget. For those that aspire to a greater life expectancy Chap Chap was birthed. More economical than Uber X, Chap Chap is limited to compact frugal vehicles with an engine capacity of no more than 800cc.

Whilst these tiny vehicles vie to occupy non-existent gaps in the pot-holed tarmac at more affordable rates to the aspiring working classes, a new Uber Prius smugly awaits to salve the conscience of those that can afford to tackle the morning smog.

Boda Boda:- Motor bike taxi; sometimes with more than one pillion passenger.

Chap Chap: Swahili slang for faster-faster.

These writings are penned whilst in the field working with our friends who live and work in Kibera and it is hoped that they bring insight, understanding and a provocation that the status-quo is unacceptable. Please feel free to unsubscribe or share as appropriate. Any opinions implied or expressed are my own and names may have been changed for the sake of privacy.
Dave Boniface.