Thousands of ride-hailing taxi drivers in Nairobi are protesting low fares by refusing to work for Uber, Bolt, Little, and Faras.
The five-day strike, which began yesterday, aims to pressure the companies to raise fares per kilometer.
The drivers noted that they will be gathering at Green Park Terminus each day before marching to the governor’s office and then the ride-hailing companies’ offices. They plan to continue demonstrating from 8am to 5pm until Friday.
“We hereby notify you of our above planned peaceful demonstrations and picketing to protest against exploitation by online app companies like Uber, Bolt, Little Cabs, Faras Kenya among others in contravention of the NTSA Regulations 2022,” the s drivers wrote to the Inspector General.
This is not the first time drivers have protested these issues. In 2019 and 2022, there were nationwide strikes demanding compliance with a government-capped 18% commission for ride-hailing companies.
Drivers argue that if companies raise commissions without raising fares, their earnings suffer due to rising fuel costs.
The strike have disrupted both passenger and delivery services, causing a shortage of rides and potentially pushing up fares for available ones. The drivers warned colleagues who continue working during the strike will be considered “traitors.
Yesterday in the capital, the drivers who defied the strike directive found their tires deflated, and some had their tires completely removed, rendering their vehicles inoperable in various parts of the city, leading to financial losses.
During the strike, Bolt Kenya met with the drivers and received their letter of grievances. In contrast, Uber did not meet with the drivers, and they were unable to deliver their letter. Little Cab was receptive, accepting the drivers’ letter and promising to set a minimum fare of KES 300 for all trips.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) also did not meet with the drivers.
The drivers’ other primary demand is for designated parking bays for pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi’s CBD, as promised by the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Mobility last April.
They claim these spots do not exist, leading to harassment by county officers.
The drivers also complained of harassment by county officers and extortion by non-uniformed officers.
The city dwellers lamented of their bad experiences during the strike and urged the companies and government agencies involved to act fast as they rely on these services to run their errands and commuting from one area to another.