Ride-hailing drivers have gone on strike in Nairobi demanding improved pay due to rising operational costs that have significantly impacted their earnings.
The strike affects drivers for platforms like Uber and Bolt, among others.
A Bolt driver, who wished to remain anonymous, urged the company to increase ride charges, arguing that current rates are unsustainable.
Drivers have expressed frustration with the price calculation formulas used by these platforms, which they say fail to account for unpredictable costs such as rising fuel prices and longer distances.
For instance, the cost of a liter of petrol has surged to around Sh180 in recent years due to global supply chain disruptions.
In response to ongoing complaints, ride-hailing operators have recently raised fares to better support drivers.
For example, last month, Bolt increased driver earnings by 10% across all ride categories to offset the impact of rising operational costs. As a result, a trip that previously cost Sh200 now costs Sh220, reflecting a Sh20 increase.
This fare adjustment follows a series of discussions between Bolt and its drivers, leading to the decision to boost their earnings.
Similarly, Uber has also raised fare prices to ensure better compensation for its drivers.
