Uber drivers marched to Parliament on Thursday in a demand for rules for fair operation and the revision of
rates.
They said they would camp outside Parliament buildings to present a petition to the National Assembly.
The drivers want MPs to help them formulate
a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for the industry to accommodate digital platforms and analog or
operators.
"The legislative framework 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," reads the petition.
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 taxi operators also want
a transparent pricing formula that will ensure proper segmentation of the market with minimum/maximum bands for boda bodas, regular taxis and online taxis.
This will ensure everyone has an opportunity to operate in the market without unnecessary cannibalisation, they said.
The operators further want taxi companies to determine the maximum number of hours a driver can work to reduce the number of accidents due to
fatigue.
They also want to be entitled to paid off-days at the rate of 11/2 days a month and be required to take week-long periods of leave every six months.
A section of Uber taxi drivers have gone on strike in a demand for higher rates because of low profits.
They said on Monday that they use a lot of fuel to get to their clients only for the rides to earn them very little.
When they issued their ultimatum for the strike, Uber partners and drivers complained about harassment and unbearable treatment by company owners.
Association chair Evans Mbugua accused the taxi hailing service of failing to consult them before implementing any changes to the business.
"They say we are partners in this venture but why do they continue to do things by themselves without our involvement as car owners and drivers?" he asked.
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