Kenya should protect legitimate businesses

NAIROBI: Competition, they say, is healthy for business. In a largely liberalised market economy like ours, competition is a lot better not only because it offers variety, it guarantees quality.

Taxi services in Kenya are among the most expensive in the world, yet in most instances do not give value for money. More often than not, the vehicles are not in good mechanical condition and since many drivers operate as individuals, safety is not guaranteed. Many times people have hired taxis never to be seen alive again. Conversely, taxi drivers who operate loosely without checks and balances have also fallen prey to thugs who masquerade as passengers.