For the past nine days, digital tax drivers have been on strike protesting poor returns. Uber, Taxify, Little and a few others ended the trike after striking a deal with service providers this past Wednesday.
Riders should expect to pay more for rides as the Ministry of Transport and digital taxi drivers agreed to sign the MoU to put an end to the strike. Transport Principal Secretary Paul Maringa said the department had agreed to sign a MoU with the drivers. The document that includes a comprehensive pricing structure. He said, “We agreed that nobody can change the pricing unilaterally. The process should be consultative and cushion drivers. A rapid response system is to be set up for rescue and security of drivers.”
The drivers had claimed that they spend a lot of time on the road but their compensation is disproportionate to their hours.
The drivers gathered at Uhuru Park protesting the low commissions. “We need Government to regulate online taxi companies, they are taking advantage of citizens. The Problem starts with Uber because other apps seem to be picking pricing trend from them, they need to reduce their commission,” said Judy, a taxi driver. The Digital Taxi Association of Kenya (DTAK) represents more than 2,000 drivers.
The PS also mentioned the setting up of a rapid response system is to be set up for rescue and security of drivers.