On February 23, 2017, striking Uber drivers presented a petition to Parliament, seeking legislation to regulate the ride-hailing industry and ensure fair play.
The drivers, who are also demanding a revision of rates, marched towards Parliament Buildings, where they met with Nominated MP Johnson Sakaja and Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.
The petition calls for parliament to pass legislation setting regulations in the industry, accommodating both digital platforms and analog operators, and ensuring an even playing field.
The drivers want a framework that promotes transparency and fair market competition practices, in line with Kenya’s open market policies, without creating bottlenecks or artificial barriers to entry.
Fare Review and Driver Working Hours
The drivers are also asking for taxi companies to revert to former fares of Sh60/km and Sh4 per minute, pending a review of fares by a committee to be formed.
Additionally, they want the maximum number of hours a driver can work to be set, aiming to reduce accidents caused by fatigue.
The strike followed Uber’s decision to implement a 25% cut, which the drivers claim has resulted in losses for taxi operators due to low fares.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
