Uber drivers on strike, protesting price cuts

Yesterday, I wrote a report on Uberslashing prices in Kenya and now, those Uber drivers are staging a peaceful protests against the price cuts.

"We want them to bring back the original fares we used to have," said Simon Mutembei, one of the drivers protesting the Uber price slash.

"If they don't do this we have other alternatives. We have so many other platforms where we can go. Because I need to eat. I need to feed my family," Mutembei said.

He said Uber drivers in the country were considering signing up with other ride-hailing companies such as the recently launched Little Cabs.

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Analysts say there are at least three ride-hailing apps in Nairobi alone and that service has not gone beyond Kenya's capital, increasing the scramble for customers.

According to a report by Reuters, Uber says the cuts were in the drivers' interest as it would attract more customers, also stating that it consulted the drivers before it cut prices.

"More people are requesting more rides with Uber," the company said, according to the Reuters report.

Uber cut prices per kilometer to 35 Shillings from 60  Shillings. It also reduced the waiting rate per minute  from 4 Shillings to 3 Shilling before this recent cut.

Peter Mbugua, secretary general of the Kenyan Taxi Digital Association, which represents the Uber drivers, said that the drivers will be switching to Little Cab if Uber did not meet their demands.

Uber is yet to give a statement on the strike or the drivers demands. Pulse Tech will keep you posted.