[ 2017-03-20 ]

Uber Kenya hikes fare by 20 percent after strikes
The Kenyan unit of U.S. ride-hailing firm Uber
Technologies Inc has increased its fare by 20
percent, a move that follows protests and strikes
by Uber drivers who said a lower fare made their
service uneconomical.

Uber, which operates in several African countries,
cut its fare in Kenya to 35 shillings ($0.3400)
per kilometre last year, after local rival Little
backed by Kenyan telecoms operator Safaricom Ltd
– introduced a service with a lower price.

Uber drivers have staged regular strikes and
protests in Nairobi in recent weeks over the low
fare, local media reported.

Lawmakers and ministry of transport officials also
supported a higher price.
The company has now raised its fare to 42
shillings per km.

“We believe driver-partners will earn more as a
result of these changes,” Uber Kenya said in a
statement on Thursday.

As in other markets, Uber drivers in Kenya
initially faced opposition and sometimes hostility
from other taxi drivers. In March last year, six
men were charged with attempted murder and
malicious damage to property over an attack on an
Uber driver.

Source - CNBC Africa

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