In Nairobi, Kenyan taxi drivers are pushing back against the unsustainable low fares dictated by ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and local start-ups. According to the drivers, the intense competition among the ride-hailing companies has led to reduced prices. As a result, many drivers struggle to cover their costs, especially with rising living expenses and loan payments on their vehicles. To stay afloat, drivers have begun negotiating higher fares directly with passengers. Some even print fare guides and post them inside their vehicles for customers to see. This practice has led to friction with Uber, which insists that drivers adhere to its pricing algorithms. Despite this, drivers are finding ways to resist, using tools like the Zello app to collectively agree on higher fares. Local start-up Faras Cabs is the only one that has moved to accommodate drivers’ complaints, as it recently raised its fares by up to 20%.
SOURCE: REUTERS
Kenyan Drivers Set Their Own Fares in Defiance of Uber’s Algorithm
