In a significant move to address growing concerns within the ride-hailing sector, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Hon. Davis Chirchir, met with representatives from the Amalgamation of Digital Taxi Transport Organizations in Kenya. The delegation presented a petition calling for a comprehensive review of their terms of engagement with Transport Network Companies (TNCs).
Key Issues Raised by Drivers
The operators, representing a coalition of digital taxi drivers from Nairobi, outlined a list of critical challenges affecting their livelihoods:
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Unfair Pricing and Earnings: Drivers highlighted arbitrary and unfair price reductions by the TNCs, which have significantly slashed their daily earnings.
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Lack of Transparency: The practice of setting upfront fares without prior driver notification was cited as a major concern.
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Inefficient Operations: The issue of “dead mileage” – being forced to drive long distances to pick up a passenger without compensation – and being assigned remote trips were raised as financially draining.
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Excessive Commissions: Drivers protested the high commissions charged by most platforms, which can be as much as 21% per trip.
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Hidden Trip Details: The concealment of a rider’s destination and the final fare leaves drivers vulnerable to operating at a loss on long trips or when a trip ends in high-risk areas.
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Coercive Terms and Conditions: Operators also complained about being forced to accept lengthy new terms and conditions while already on a trip, with no time to read or understand the changes.
Government’s Response and Commitment
Accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mr. Mohammed Daghar, and officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), CS Chirchir assured the group of the government’s commitment to finding a balanced solution.
The CS emphasized the government’s resolve to protect the interests of both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, while ultimately ensuring what is best for the people of Kenya.
Pathway to a Resolution
As an immediate step, CS Chirchir called for an urgent meeting that will bring together the State Department for Transport, NTSA, and the Transport Network Companies. The goal of this meeting is to deliberate on the issues of immediate concern and work towards a lasting solution. The findings from this meeting will be presented to the CS for decisive action.
He also urged the drivers to return to work to prevent further inconvenience to the public and additional financial losses for themselves.
The digital taxi drivers were led by their Chairman, Mr. Daniel Manga.
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