TEBBY OTIENO

THE ONLY MUSLIM LADY CURRENTLY BEHIND THE WHEELS OF UBER

She is 34 years old, married and a mother of four children; three girls and a boy. Faridah Salim Khamis who was brought up in Kambi Muru in Nairobi says that she is a hard working mother who was taught very early in life to be independent. Her life has never been easy since her childhood a fact that she says has made to her be the strong woman she is today.
“I have come a long way. I first started selling mitumba (second hand clothes) in Gikomba market. When things didn’t go as I wanted, I decided to venture into communication when mobile phones were first came into the market. Back then, ‘Simu ya jamii’ (community pay phone) was the only way most people could access and use mobile phones. The Motorolla T28 was the popular phone back then but it was very expensive unlike nowadays where you can get a phone for a thousand shillings. To have an edge over other businesses I also used to sell homemade snacks popularly known back then as sinachuki; peanuts cooked or mixed with hot sugar syrup” recalls Faridah.

As the size of Faridahs family grew, her expenditure grew as well so she decided to put her passion and nine years driving experience into a more lucrative venture – taxis. Since she had heard that the popular taxi service, Uber had become popular in the country, she decided to venture into the field in February 2017. Even though there are other female drivers in the Uber taxis, Faridah Salim Khamis is proud to be the only Muslim lady driver. She says she would love to drive a high profile customer who can appreciate what women do to put something on the table.

“I don’t feel different because I am a Muslim lady driver. I believe what a man do, a woman can do better. My dream is to carry H.E. the First Lady Margret Kenyatta in my taxi. I want to driver her around and even bring her here in Kibera”. She says while smiling

As with every business taxis driving has its best and worst moments. For Faridah Salim Khamis, her best moments are when she has guaranteed clients that she has to pick and drop on a regular basis. However, her worst moments are when she has to deal with stressful clients. “I have to work hard to earn my commissions just like everyone else. No employer wants a lazy person”. Explains Faridah.

Faridah thinks that Taxi drivers in Kenya are not as well paid as compared to those in the western countries. “I`d love to work for the United Nations, at least they pay reasonably” she says smilingly
The fact that Faridah Salim Khamis had difficulties during her childhood but she still made it, her mother remains her hero. She is inspired by the Muslim ladies who are out there making a difference and clearing the world`s doubts
“I always feel inspired seeing a hijabi on the top list of being successful. I salute Ilhan Omar, who contested and won the Minnesota house representative sit, she`s the first American Somalia law maker. Naru Asia, the first hijabi cover girl Ambassador. Ginnela Masssa, also the first hijabi newscaster in Canada. I`m proud of them and myself, Muslims are not selfish or lazy, they can change the world too!” She tells me

Despite not driving her own car, Faridah Salim Khamis still believes that as long as she continues working, she will one day own her own fleet of cars. She remains focused and calls for change where every woman takes up the challenge in the society to start doing something rather than depending on men.

“If you have this potential of driving, come to this taxi industry it doesn’t choose a woman or a man, a Muslim or a Christian. Actually in this world of today, you cannot depend on your man alone, it`s better you wake up and get out. It is not all about going to an office in a huge building, my car is my office as I use my passion to earn a living” she adds

As we celebrate 2017 International Women`s Day, Faridah Salim Khamis says she is bold enough to bring change in women`s lives
“Of course I too I’m bold enough to bring change. Women have to wear so many hats and endure a lot of social and economic pressures, but if as a woman you have the passion for something you can do like me, get up and do it, it`s not all about driving, do something for yourself, start a small business. Do whatever you can” She concludes.

Faridah Salim Khamis also boasts as the first lady to open a cultural boutique in Kibra. She is a good caterer. No road is impassable for Faridah.