Kenyans could face major transport disruption next week as online taxi drivers plan to strike, aiming to force the government and digital cab-hailing companies to review their pay.
The drivers, mostly drawn from Nairobi, said the protest will continue until the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Ministry of Transport and ride-hailing firms address their concerns.
“Apps are paying us very little money,” one cab driver said during an online meeting on Tuesday night. “We want these companies to care about us.”
Kenyans.co.ke joined an online meeting on Tuesday night, where a leader referred to as Chairman said drivers want companies to publish standardised rates. “We want standard prices where the payments cannot go below the minimum price,” he said.
“The shortest trip must be specified, whether it is one kilometre, two kilometres or three kilometres,” he added.
The drivers plan to march to the Ministry of Transport and NTSA offices to demand clarity on how prices are set and how much commission companies can take from each ride.
One cab driver claimed deductions have left them with little income. “If you pay me Ksh1,000, I will receive Ksh700 and something, because they say commission is 18 per cent, but there are other deductions.”
Under the Transport Network Companies Regulations, 2022, NTSA capped commissions at 18 per cent per trip. Drivers argue firms are bypassing this rule through hidden charges.
The protest is expected to begin next week and last at least a week, but organisers warned it could continue if demands are not met.
The move comes after ride-hailing companies recently slashed fares in a bid to attract more customers.
During the highly charged meeting, some drivers threatened harsh measures against colleagues who defy the strike even as leaders urged restraint, saying drivers who do not wish to join the strike should simply stay off the road.
Kenyans.co.ke reached out to one of the online ride-hailing companies to see if they are aware of the situation. The company said they are keeping an eye on the matter for now.
