This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Little Shuttle, a pioneering bus-hailing service in Nairobi, has been forced to halt its operations, effective October 1st, due to a licensing dispute with local authorities.
According to an email sent by Little Shuttle's CEO, Kamal Budhabhatti, the company received a communication from the authorities stating that its current license does not permit it to operate the shuttle business.
Little Shuttle, which has gained popularity among Nairobi residents for its efficient and safe services, has been operating in the city for the past three quarters. The company has been working to address the chaotic public transportation system in Nairobi, offering a reliable and profitable alternative.
However, the authorities have deemed the company's current license insufficient, prompting Little Shuttle to suspend its operations until further notice.
It remains to be seen how this development will impact other bus-hailing services, such as SWVL, which has also been operating in Nairobi. SWVL recently received a significant investment of 1.5 billion shillings to expand its operations.
Little Shuttle's CEO, Kamal Budhabhatti, expressed his disappointment in the authorities' decision, stating that he would have appreciated a more collaborative approach to addressing the licensing issue.
As Nairobi residents adjust to the loss of Little Shuttle's services, questions arise about the future of bus-hailing services in the city and the regulatory framework that governs them.
