Nairobi News

HustleNews

Striking Uber drivers take grievances to parliament


Striking drivers from ride hailing company Uber on Thursday presented a petition to Parliament for the legislation of regulations that will ensure fair play in the industry.

The procession of drivers, who are also demanding for a revision of rates, drove slowly and marched towards Parliament buildings where they sought audience with Nominated MP Johnson Sakaja and Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.

The drivers said they want parliament to pass legislation that will set regulations in the industry and also formulate a way to accommodate both digital platforms and analog operators.

In the petition the drivers also want to have a framework which will ensure an even playing field, in line with Kenya’s open market policies, without creating bottlenecks or artificial barriers to entry, by ensuring transparency and fair market competition practices.

Striking Uber drivers protest outside Parliament buildings over the 25% cut by the online taxi hailing app. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA
Striking Uber drivers protest outside Parliament buildings over the 25% cut by the online taxi hailing app. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA

REVIEW FARES

The drivers also want taxi companies to revert to the former fares of Sh60/km and Sh4 per minute, pending review of fares by a committee that is to be formed.

They said this will prevent losses being incurred by taxi operators as a result of the low fares being charged by a segment of industry players.

The also want the maximum number of hours a driver can work to be set so as to reduce the number of accidents due to fatigue.

The strike comes after the company appeared to play hardball insisting that it is obligated to offer affordable taxi rides to its clients. The procession of striking drivers caused a traffic pileup on major Nairobi roads.