Afrigather Experience-hailing drivers in Kenya could protest once more on Wednesday after a strike from July fifteenth to nineteenth didn’t produce the anticipated outcomes.
The drivers, by way of associations just like the Organisation of On-line Drivers Kenya (OOD) and Ridehail Transport Affiliation, are asking for involvement in pricing selections, improved security measures, and a revised system for deactivating drivers following safety stories.
Drivers have repeatedly stated the present pricing mannequin advantages the businesses at their expense. They argue that the present system, the place platforms take an 18% fee and the federal government takes one other 16% (of their fee) as VAT, eats into their revenue margins.
The drivers additionally desire a 24-hour buyer care line amid claims that the response time after they report safety points within the app is gradual.
“The SOS button on the app doesn’t at all times work as marketed. We additionally don’t like instances the place safety points are reported through assist chat. We wish to communicate to an actual particular person on the cellphone,” stated OOD deputy chairman Dennis Nyariki.
OOD has additionally faulted the apps for unfairly deactivating driver accounts. The physique claims the apps unjustly deactivate accounts primarily based on buyer complaints, even when the fault could lie with the passenger.
“Generally, when a buyer is at fault and stories a visit by way of these apps, their account could also be deactivated whereas an investigation is carried out, stated one Bolt driver who requested to not be named. “Since a few of our automobiles have been purchased with loans, such deactivations put us liable to defaulting on our month-to-month funds.”
Final week, OOD, led by deputy chairman Dennis Nyariki, submitted calls for to all Kenyan ride-hailing corporations however has but to obtain a response.
“They haven’t responded formally, and our calls for haven’t been met. We are going to probably proceed with demonstrations from Wednesday till they bow to our calls for,” Nyariki informed TechCabal.
Uber informed TechCabal it obtained the calls for final week and is “following the due course of, which incorporates related consultations to evaluate the issues raised.”
Final week, OOD demanded that Uber, Bolt, and Faras briefly droop their operations whereas they tackle present issues. This demand has been criticised, with an govt who supplies background checks for Bolt drivers calling it “outrageous.” That particular person argued that drivers are free to decide on which platform to make use of and that these platforms have made taxi providers extra reasonably priced for riders.
One other knowledgeable claimed that this transfer may mark the start of the tip for drivers. “Earlier than Uber, individuals hardly ever used taxis as a result of excessive prices.”
Uber and Bolt acknowledged driver issues and the strike on Monday final week; Uber informed TechCabal that it was “intently monitoring the scenario and making each effort to minimise disruptions for customers.”
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