Taxi-hailing app drivers in Kenya have threatened go on an indefinite strike.(image source: LinkedIn)
Drivers from taxing hailing services such as Uber, Taxify, Little Cab and Mondo Ride have revealed that they will go on strike, indefinitely, from 11 Septemeber 2017. Drivers from the companies have stated that the strike is due to poor returns from the business.
The drivers under the Kenyan Digital Taxi Association have submitted a charter of demands to the companies.
A statement from the drivers read: “We, 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 who have been making us work for long hours only to get nothing.”
The drivers say the taxi-hailing companies have been increasing discounts and free rides without consultation.
As part of their demands, the drivers want the hailing companies to reduce the registration of new cars as there is already enough competition for customers.
The association compiled a set of demands to taxi hailing companies in order to resume duty. They want the minimum charge to be Ksh.300 across all service providers.
Uber drivers want the commission percentage to be reduced from 25% to 10% on the lower side and 15% on the higher side.
People across Nairobi have been affected by the strike. Apart from the unavailability of cabs and surging rates, According to reports, there have been instances of protesting drivers forcibly stopping rides and snatching away GPS devices from operating cabs.
Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko
Follow Fundisiwe Maseko on Twitter
Follow IT News Africa on Twitter