I live in the city of Nairobi, which unassumingly will inform you is located in the Eastern part of Africa. To be specific sub-Saharan Africa. My country is classified as a 3rd world and have a myriad number of inefficiencies such as corruption. The Law enforcement agencies are always on top of the list of corruption index by independent agencies. One of the most common methodologies of extracting dirty money by the police is erecting barricades deep in the night and extorting motorists in the name of enforcing drunk driving laws. The nightlife people call it Alcoblow. Rarely do culprits face the real law as the traffic policemen would arm-twist the ‘drunk’ motorists for some bribe sometimes ranging up to Kshs. 25,000 (USD 250). This has resulted in a cat and mouse game where nightlife patrons map their routes before embarking on their journeys.
As an event practitioner (DJ) who happens to be working at this time, am always in touch with almost everyone in the establishment… whether it’s a club or a concert venue. I discovered this tool - Google Maps that gives you a scientific flow of the traffic along the mapped route, complete with a colour code that shows red where the traffic is heavy or stationary. Obviously you won’t expect traffic at 2AM unless there’s an accident - or there’s the Police barricade. As much as I don’t encourage drunk driving the culture of corruption is so deeply entrenched and Ive always believed that we can use technology to counter corruption. Google Maps has ensured that there very minimal police harassment during the night time to revellers heading home. I also use the Google maps during the day to weave my way through the heavy Nairobi traffic. It’s always accurate 95% most of the time. However I find a lot of doubt from some drivers especially the Uber Taxis who insist the map is not accurate. When I visit Kampala where the Uber drivers are not well trained the situation gets worse. However thanks to Google Maps. As a travelling DJ my world has become much easier and manageable evenue from a financial point of view.