Taxi drivers in Kenya’s capital are facing unprecedented challenges due to a fierce price war among ride-hailing companies.
Drivers like Judith Chepkwony, an eight-year veteran, report plummeting earnings as platforms like Uber,Bolt, Little, and Faras drive fares down.
To cope, drivers are resorting to setting their own higher rates, often leading to tense negotiations with passengers.
While some customers eventually agree to the increased fares, others refuse, leaving drivers with the difficult choice of accepting a loss or canceling the ride.
The situation has created a standoff between the ride-hailing giants and the drivers who power their services.
Uber has publicly condemned the practice of drivers charging more than the app-generated fares, but many drivers argue that the current rates are unsustainable due to rising fuel and operating costs.
Kenya’s economic climate, marked by high inflation and unemployment, has exacerbated the problem.
With disposable incomes squeezed, consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, putting further pressure on drivers.
In response to the crisis, drivers have organized, using communication apps to coordinate fare increases and creating printed fare charts to present to passengers.
Some ride-hailing companies have begun to address the issue, with Faras Cabs recently announcing fare hikes.
However, the ultimate impact on both drivers and passengers remains uncertain.
As the industry grapples with finding a balance between profitability for drivers and affordability for customers, the future of ride-hailing in Kenya hangs in the balance.