Digital taxi drivers across Kenya have threatened to paralyse transport services nationwide with a planned strike over soaring fuel prices, shrinking earnings and what they describe as “exploitative” fare structures imposed by ride-hailing companies.
The drivers, operating under various online taxi platforms, announced that they would down their tools on Monday, May 11, unless urgent action is taken by both the government and app-based taxi companies to address their grievances.
The planned industrial action comes amid mounting frustration within the sector, with drivers saying the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance has made the business increasingly unsustainable.
Speaking on behalf of operators, Organisation of Online Drivers national chairperson Justine Nyaga warned that thousands of drivers were prepared to switch off their applications and stage protests countrywide if their demands continue to be ignored.
“We will take industrial action and stage a strike with picketing. We will mobilise drivers not to work, and push out app companies that do not listen to our concerns so that we remain with companies that are responsive to drivers’ needs,” Nyaga said.
The drivers accuse ride-hailing firms of maintaining low fares despite a sharp increase in fuel prices and the general cost of living, arguing that the pricing models currently in place no longer reflect economic realities.
One online cab operator, identified only as Mwangi, said many drivers were now struggling to survive despite working long hours.
“If fuel prices have increased, then we are not benefiting. We want the lowest cost of a trip to be Ksh350. We are unable to maintain ourselves; we are going hungry. When you see the many cars parked on the roads, it is drivers sleeping in their cars,” he lamented.
Another driver, Murigi, criticised digital taxi companies for failing to review fares even as businesses across the country continue to increase prices to cushion themselves from inflation.
“Matatus and vegetable vendors have increased their prices. Everyone is increasing prices, but when we look at app companies, their prices have not been responsive,” he said.
Drivers have for years raised concerns over the commission-based business model used by some digital taxi platforms, claiming that operators shoulder all operational expenses — including fuel, servicing, insurance and vehicle maintenance — while companies continue to prioritise low fares to attract customers.
Industry players now warn that unless reforms are introduced, more drivers could abandon the sector altogether due to mounting financial pressure.
The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for the country’s energy sector following a fuel supply disruption reported on Tuesday, May 5, when several petrol stations experienced shortages. Although supply has since stabilised, uncertainty remains ahead of the next fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority scheduled for May 14.
Drivers are now demanding an urgent review of fare structures, intervention on fuel costs and policies aimed at protecting online taxi operators from what they describe as worsening economic hardship.
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