Taxi drivers operating on online platforms in Nairobi on Monday announced that they would be on an indefinite strike.
The disgruntled drivers operating under Uber, Taxify, Little Cab and Mondo mobile applications are protesting against unfriendly policies from their service providers.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Michael, an Uber driver confirmed that they were on a go-slow following unfair commissions from the online taxi companies.
“The Company is fleecing customers while victimizing the drivers by offering peanuts in commissions,” he disclosed.
Another driver working under Little Cab stated that taxis were still operating but were not using the mobile application.
The drivers, under the Kenya Digital Taxi Association, issued a statement discontinuing their services indefinitely until certain terms are met.
“We online drivers and partners would like to inform our esteemed customers that as from this coming Monday 11/9/2017, our services shall not be available until further notice. This is due to improper management of our service providers which has been making us work for long hours only to get nothing,” the statement read.
The drivers' complaints include the companies' decision to increase discounts and introduce free rides without consultation.
Also, part of their primary demands is an immediate increase in the minimum charge and the firms to stop the onboarding of new drivers.
Nairobi commuters who use the online taxi applications found themselves stranded following the strike.
Earlier in the month, activist Boniface Mwangi complained that Uber drivers were cancelling rides when they realised the client was to pay by card.
"Four drivers have cancelled my rides in one day because they say Uber delays their cash," he stated.
