Over 3000 taxi-hailing drivers brought Nairobi City to halt on Monday with demonstrations citing low rates charged by service providers.
The drivers also want the ministry of transport to establish an independent committee to look into the pricing of the online taxi business. The agitated drivers slowly drove from Uhuru Park to Transport House, where they were expected to submit their petition to Transport Ministry officials.
Uber currently charges a 25 per cent commission on each ride, while apps like Taxify and Little Car charge 15 per cent.
Uber has been running their back to back discounts for customers since the beginning of the year.
“The Petitioner seeks that the House 3(h) of the Act and Standing Order No.223(h). The Petitioner seeks that the House orders the formation of a Committee comprising of E-Hailing App Companies and other persons to come up with regulations for digital taxi operators,” reads part of the petition.
“Currently we are working for 20 to 27 shillings per kilometer, a fee far less than the 60 shillings that was the initial introduction price,” says a driver interviewed by Capital FM Business.
“The fare prices keep on reducing because of the competition with other apps. In the long run, it is us, the partners and drivers, who are losing. We are being oppressed,” he added.
The drivers say the strike will continued until their plight is heard and fares reviewed upwards
