The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has approved only four taxi companies to operate in the country following calls for fresh registration.
In a notice released on Monday, October 31, NTSA Director General George Njao announced that only Uber, Bolt, Yego and Little cab are allowed to operate in the country.
"In carrying outs its mandate and in line with the requirements of the NTSA Transport Network Companies (TNC), Drivers and Passenger Rules, 2022, the following companies are licenced to operate as Transport Network Companies," the statement read in part.
One of the requirements for approval was that the taxi companies needed to have a physical address and a working contact number which were published in the notice.
On October 26, NTSA disclosed that it received applications from six companies, despite more than ten operating in the country.
"The Authority has so far received six applications and they are all at the validation stage prior to licensing of successful applicants," Njao indicated.
The fresh registration followed the enactment of the transport Network Companies (TNC), Drivers and Passenger Rules Act which took effect in June.
All companies seeking fresh registration were required to demonstrate tax compliance and should be duly registered by the Data Commissioner as data controllers or data processors.
In addition, NTSA demanded that the enterprises must avail a certificate of incorporation and a standard contract between the TNCs and the owners of the vehicles in their fleet.
Other documents include a revenue-sharing agreement between the firm and the drivers, a pricing mechanism, a list of vehicles under the fleet, a deactivation policy, and a procedure for activating and deactivating subscriptions.
Notably, the act instructed drivers to issue receipts to passengers after every trip. Cab drivers were also barred from tinting their vehicles and drinking or smoking while on duty.
Passengers are prohibited from using offensive language or gestures or acting in a disorderly manner.
