Uber Kenya has said that it will reassess the recent move to slash its prices by 35% if the amount the drivers make on the road isn’t what they expect. Uber argues that the reduction in prices will boost demand to enable more people to request more rides with the platform. However, Uber drivers in Nairobi took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against the move, arguing that Uber’s decision was unilateral and they were not consulted.
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“We believe these changes will help, but while the city adjusts to the new prices, we are putting in place minimum payment guarantees for drivers to ensure they don’t lose out. And if the amount they make on the road isn’t what we expect, we’ll reassess this price change,” said an Uber spokesperson.
“Price cuts are designed to help drivers. A driver who is logged into the Uber app is doing one of three things: sitting idle while waiting for a trip, on their way to pick up a rider, or carrying a rider to their destination. The third scenario is the only time a driver is earning a fare,” Uber said in statement when announcing the price cuts.
“We’re confident drivers will earn the same or more when the cuts help increase their trips — and we have put in place minimum payment guarantees for driver-partners. And if the amount driver-partners make on the road isn’t what we expect, we’ll reassess this price change.” Uber.
