Digital taxi operations in Nairobi faced significant disruption today as drivers went on strike to protest against alleged poor pay and unfavorable working conditions. The strike, which impacted almost all digital taxi platforms, resulted in heavy traffic congestion along Waiyaki Way and other city roads.
Some drivers deflated their tyres and abandoned their vehicles on the roads, exacerbating the traffic situation.
The striking drivers are demanding the establishment of special parking lots for picking up and dropping off passengers, citing a poor relationship with the county government.
Many drivers reported frequent harassment by county officers, including plainclothes officers impounding their vehicles.
The Organization of Online Drivers under Bolt has outlined several demands, including compensation for night trips and trips to low-demand areas.
“There is currently no infrastructure or framework despite several efforts to push for it and that is why drivers are out to express this displeasure,” the said.
“We are suffering a lot as drivers, when you go to the Application companies they direct you to the government and when the drivers go to the ministry they do not get any assistance.”
They are also calling for the unblocking of drivers whose accounts have been deactivated, suspended, or revoked. Additionally, the drivers are seeking enhanced security measures to ensure that passengers have identifiable profiles, which would help in the event of crime or security incidents.