This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Published on December 4, 2019, the NTSA (Operation of Digital Hailing Operators) Regulations, 2019 aims to regulate digital ride-hailing services in Kenya.
The draft regulation requires digital ride-hailing companies to charge a maximum commission of 15% per trip and implement a system to retrieve lost items. This move seeks to plug in the regulation gap for digital ride-hailing services, especially around pricing and licencing.
According to Techweez, service providers like Bolt and SWVL will require a license to operate if the bill passes into law. Digital hailing services will need three licenses: one for the service provider, another for the driver, and the vehicle.
The proposed licensing fees for digital taxi operators include an initial KShs 500,000 license fee and a KSh 300,000 annual fee to renew the license. Digital taxi drivers will be charged KSh 1000 for a license, with the same amount charged annually for renewal. Additionally, digital hailing service vehicles will pay KSh 3,500 for license application and renewal.
Just like Matatus, digital ride-hailing operators will be required to provide a full-scale colour illustration, indicating public service. Operators will also have five days to return decal stickers if a vehicle stops providing public services.
