They are the cross and delight of collective transport in Kenya, particularly on the disconnected roads of the coast.
They dart everywhere, with their crackling gait and observance of very few traffic rules, and not even the most important ones. The so-called Tuk Tuk, or apecars for which one would like to curse that great pride of Italy that is the Piaggio motor manufacturer, adapted as cheap taxis, have been raging for twenty-five years now, after having arrived from India and the Far East where, by natural identification, they replaced rickshaws.
A quarter of a century in which they have changed the road system of the African country, for better or for worse. On the one hand, they have made it possible for the lower middle class to get around with their minimal resources and quickly reach distances that previously seemed insurmountable, while at the same time transporting all material goods, as well as entire families.
It is a proven and documented fact that a Tuk Tuk approved for three passengers can carry up to eight, plus entire groups of children in the boot. The entire offspring of an inland village can get to school for a handful of shillings per parent. Once upon a time, the little pupils were forced to toil for miles on foot every day, arriving already exhausted to attend classes.
What's more, the Tuk Tuks, true ants of the road, are able to transport any load: from the entire furnishings of a house, to 20,000 litre water tanks, from quintals of coal, potatoes, mangoes or timber to building materials.
On the other hand, the drivers of the Tuk Tuk, who have more or less the experience of tricycle drivers, use no precautions whatsoever, do not operate turn signals, do not brake, stop suddenly as only London taxis used to do in the presence of a potential passenger. Not to mention U-turns in the middle of busy streets, curb raids and other devilry worthy of the latest videogames. But what can you do? By now they have become icons of the new Africa and the fact that their annoying noise gets into people's heads and insides, right from the crack of dawn, and that the stench of fuel infests every alley and rural lane, is of little relevance, in the face of its convenience for most people. One has to put up with it and live with it, because this too is sustainability.
To confirm, between music and words, the love-hate for these infernal but often providential contraptions, we give you the nice video of the song 'Tuk Tuk Africa' by our Kenyan singers, Freddie and Sbringo.