Kenyan taxi drivers took to the streets on Thursday morning to protest what they described as unfair targeting by traffic police, weak regulation of digital cab work and pressure from app owners on their lobby leaders.
The drivers, who operate through online hailing platforms, singled out Uber’s introduction of Suzuki Alto vehicles, saying the move was meant to manipulate pricing. They argued that the lower fares have left many operators struggling with debt, insecurity and exhaustion.
Digital Taxi Forum president Wycliffe Alutalala said the industry was not rejecting technology, but demanding rules that protect drivers.
“We have been left with nothing but to actively agitate for regulations. We are not fighting technology. All we are seeking is regulation,” said Wycliffe Alutalala.
He also said the year had already recorded 15 confirmed fatigue-related deaths, which he linked to long working hours and falling earnings as app companies continue to cut prices to hold on to customers.
“Our struggle for pricing has not stopped. Our investments are bleeding,” he said.
Drivers also complained that hundreds of cars had been auctioned after owners failed to keep up with the pricing models set by cab-hailing firms.
Derrick Mbugua of the Liberation Movement said the Suzuki Alto vehicles were unsafe and unsuitable for Kenyan roads.
“They are unsafe. They should not be on our roads. And the drivers using them work literally 24/7 yet they go home with nothing. They make nothing,” said Derrick Mbugua.
Digital Taxi App Providers national chairman David Muteru warned that the pressure on drivers could spill over into broader security concerns for passengers.
“We are witnessing a lot of frustrations on the road from the drivers. This can erupt into anger issues and, if left unchecked, can erupt into insecurity issues for the riders,” said David Muteru.
The e-taxi operators also said they had been caught up in the recent Michuki Rules crackdown on matatus, with traffic police allegedly arresting, harassing and extorting them over missing yellow lines on their cars.
That complaint came despite assurances from the National Transport Safety Authority compliance team that yellow lines and removal of factory tints were not required.
Alutalala asked the traffic commandant to work with NTSA and the Inspector General of Police on the matter.
“We are kindly asking the traffic commandant to liaise with the NTSA and Inspector General of Police on this matter,” said Mr Alutalala.
Muteru said police should enforce existing law rather than create their own rules.
“The police are tasked with enforcing the laws. What we are witnessing here is police crafting their own laws,” said Mr Muteru.
