This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Kenya's taxi drivers are set to embark on an indefinite strike from July 15, 2019, in a bid to push for better pricing from dominant app companies.
The drivers, represented by the Digital Taxi Forum, claim that US-based Uber and Estonian software firm Taxify have refused to negotiate in good faith regarding the various changes they have been making without proper consultations.
According to Mr. John Kimani, the president of the Digital Taxi Forum, the drivers will remain on strike until an agreement that is acceptable to all parties and stakeholders is reached.
"We have no other recourse than to begin our indefinite strike from July 15. We will be picketing and holding peaceful demonstrations daily until our concerns are addressed," Mr. Kimani said in a statement.
The taxi drivers are aggrieved that the dominant companies have been engaging in price wars, much to their detriment and third-party vehicle owners who are never consulted on changes.
As a result, the drivers' earnings have been reduced to an unsustainable level due to all-time low fares.
July 2018 saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Digital Taxi App companies and the Digital Taxi Forum at the Ministry of Transport, aimed at creating a workable solution to end the conflict.
However, nothing substantial has come out of the MOU to date, with the drivers feeling shortchanged and patient enough awaiting implementation to no avail.
