Nairobi digital boda operators threaten to strike over harassment by 'Kanjo'

 

Riders under the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya have issued a 14-day strike notice to the government over failure to set price regulation policies.

According to them, the state should step in with policies that protect them from poor trip pricing they get from the online apps.

"We have observed ongoing issues affecting our members, including unfair competition, unreasonable fare structures, and other challenges that impact our ability to earn a fair income. Our members are the backbone of the digital economy, and their concerns need to be addressed to ensure a balanced and equitable environment for all," said Calvince Okumu, the association's executive chairperson.

Okumu called on platform owners to adjust their prices within seven days, failure to which, they will camp at their offices until their demands are met.

In adjusting the prices, Okumu urged the owners of the online platforms to use common sense and humanity, stating that the riders have debts to pay.

Okumu however assured that they are ready to work with platforms that heed their demands and adjust the trip prices. 

"We urge all stakeholders to come together to address these issues and work towards solutions that benefit both drivers and the platforms we work with. We remain committed to providing quality services and hope for a constructive dialogue to resolve these matters," he said.

At the same time, the association condemned the increase of the road maintenance levy on fuel from Sh18 per litre to Sh25 per litre by the government without proper stakeholder engagement with industry players including the riders.

Okumu was speaking during a consultative meeting convened to discuss and address issues concerning the operations of digital boda taxis and delivery services.

The meeting brought together the riders, the enforcement team from the Nairobi County government, and a representation from the National Police Service.

During the meeting, the association decried the harassment by county officers who they said are asking for non-existent documents to access the town.

"Your enforcement officers are asking for non-existent documents like letters to access town. Where can we get them? Do all those who get to town have letters? We are ready, if it is about paying money to access the Central Business District (CBD), so long as we are not being harassed by people to give money to whom we even don't know their identities. We don't have a problem in paying, but what we are against is giving money to impostors. That is what we don't want," said Okumu.