This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, taxi app drivers in Kenya downed their tools, marking the collapse of a return-to-work Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with taxi firms in July 2018.
Drivers from dominant players such as Uber, Bolt (formerly known as Taxify), and Little Cab have accused the companies of backtracking on the deal that saw them return to work after thrashing a deal with the firms last year.
According to Waweru Jamaicah, Secretary General of the Taxi Drivers and Partners Association of Kenya, the firms have taken up a bigger percentage than agreed last year, leaving the drivers with meagre earnings.
“We are sorry to inform you that you will not enjoy taxi hailing services as from July 15. All our drivers who put in shifts for Uber, Taxify, and all other apps will not be operating from then. Plan accordingly to avoid any inconveniences,” said Waweru in a statement.
Drivers represented by the Digital Taxi Forum (DTF) have written to the Ministry of Transport, lamenting that nothing substantial has come out of the MOU despite numerous negotiations.
John Kimani, the President of the Digital Taxi Forum (DTF), stated that they will remain on strike until an agreement that will be acceptable to all parties and stakeholders involved is reached.
“We have no other recourse than to begin our indefinite strike. We will be picketing and holding peaceful demonstrations on a daily basis until our concerns are addressed,” said Kimani.
