Uber and Bolt Drivers in Nairobi Protest for Improved WagesUber and Bolt Drivers in Nairobi Protest for Improved Wages In response to perceived unfair practices, Uber and Bolt drivers in Nairobi, Kenya, have embarked on a series of public protests. Their primary demands center around the implementation of long-standing policies that aim to enhance their compensation. Key Issues and Demands * 18% Service Fee Cap: Drivers demand the government cap service fees on ride-hailing companies at 18%, as initially decreed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in 2022. * Fixed Minimum Fares: Drivers seek the implementation of a fixed minimum fare of 300 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) per ride. * Commission Regulation: They also call for strict adherence to the 18% commission ceiling for taxi services set by the NTSA. Protest Details The demonstrations are scheduled from July 15 to 19, 2023, between 8am and 5pm. Drivers plan to halt passenger rides and deliveries, causing a significant drop in revenue for ride-hailing companies. Background Similar strikes have occurred in the past, including a nationwide protest in 2019 and another in 2022 that resulted in the temporary enforcement of the 18% commission cap. However, its implementation has not been fully realized. Company Response Bolt Rides CEO Linda Ndungu acknowledged the drivers’ strike and stated that the company complies with all NTSA regulations. She also expressed support for the drivers’ right to peaceful demonstrations. Potential Impact The Nairobi taxi drivers’ strike could lead to revised industry regulations and improved working conditions for drivers. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by gig workers in the ride-hailing sector and the need for fair compensation.
Uber and Bolt drivers in Kenya’s capital Nairobi have taken to public protests against e-hailing companies’ failure to implement policies. The drivers are demanding that the government cap Uber and Bolt’s service fees at 18%.
According to a report from The Kenyan Wall Street, demonstrations will take place from Monday, July 15 to 19, between 8am and 5pm.
In what observers describe as a peaceful protest, drivers are demanding better pay, specifically full enforcement of fixed minimum fares and regulation of commissions for taxi services.
This taxi app driver strike is aimed at halting passenger rides and deliveries. By causing a large drop in revenue for taxi companies, the drivers hope to pressure them to negotiate. This is not the first time that drivers have used strikes to fight for better conditions. Similar nationwide strikes have taken place in 2019 and led to the maintenance of the 18% commission ceiling in 2022.
In 2022, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya’s e-hailing regulator, decreed that e-hailing companies must receive a fixed commission of 18%. These developments initially led to disagreement, but the authorities eventually agreed to comply.
Two years later, these developments have still not been implemented, which has made motorists make an extra effort to make their demands known.
The drivers are also demanding that the minimum fare for a ride be fixed at 300 Kenyan shillings (Ksh), a requirement that is enshrined in law, as is the 18% commission. They have also announced plans to boycott the ride-hailing apps and switch to offline rides and direct fare negotiations if their demands are not met.
In response to a question on the matter, Linda Ndungu, CEO of Bolt Rides, said in a statement to Textnext that the company is aware of the drivers’ strike and respects their right to peacefully demonstrate. She also said that Bolt has complied with all the requirements of the NTSA.
“Bolt complies with local laws and meets the licensing requirements set by the industry regulator, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). We continue to work with local authorities and other key stakeholders to ensure that the taxi, micromobility and food delivery industry in Kenya grows to its full potential in a sustainable manner,” she said in the statement.
The Nairobi taxi drivers’ strike could rewrite the rules of the road for drivers in the sector. As drivers protest for fairer pay per kilometre, they could ultimately force companies to the negotiating table, creating a better future for their sector.
