By Nithu Ardithya
Kenya is currently experiencing a significant surge in protests, fueled by widespread discontent with the government’s economic policies, pervasive corruption, and deteriorating living conditions. On July 15, 2024, a major protest took place in Central Nairobi, organized by the Online Drivers Association. This protest brought together drivers from various e-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, Faras, and Little Cab Kenya.
The drivers, who are also joined by delivery service providers, are demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Some striking drivers have even taken drastic steps, such as forcing passengers out of the vehicles of non-participating drivers, to draw attention to their cause. Their strike points to a broader frustration among workers who are finding it harder to make ends meet due to rising costs and stagnant earnings.
The protests stem from President William Ruto’s government’s recent economic measures, which many see as oppressive, particularly for the poor and working-class citizens. A significant factor to the unrest was the enactment of the Finance Act 2023, which placed a number of new taxes on basic products and services, including petrol, housing, and digital transactions. These policies were implemented as part of a strategy to increase government revenue and reduce the fiscal deficit, but they have met with strong opposition from the people.
The government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies in September 2022 proved to be one of its most controversial moves. This policy led to a dramatic surge in fuel prices, hitting record highs and igniting widespread discontent.
Although some subsidies were reinstated a year later, fuel costs have remained elevated, placing a severe strain on household finances and escalating the expenses of transporting goods and services across the nation. As a result, the persistently high fuel costs have increased the cost of living for many Kenyans, with inflation pushing basic items out of reach of ordinary people. This relentless increase in living costs has become a focal point of the protests, significantly amplifying public dissatisfaction with the government.
These economic challenges are accelerated by widespread accusations of corruption and poor governance within the government. Many Kenyans believe that the new taxes and economic woes are the result of more than just poor policy decisions, but also of deeper systemic flaws tied to corruption and mismanagement.
Corruption scandals, allegations of public fund misappropriation, and a lack of accountability have crushed the public trust in the government and its institutions. Many citizens believe that the government is failing to solve these concerns, causing a growing sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. The perception of corruption has fueled the protests, with citizens demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders.
One of the most visible forms of protest has come from the e-hailing app drivers who have organized strikes and demonstrations in Nairobi and other cities. On July 15, 2024, drivers from platforms like Uber, Bolt, Faras, and Little Cab Kenya, under the banner of the Online Drivers Association, launched a strike in Central Nairobi. These drivers, who also include delivery service providers, are demanding higher wages and better working conditions in light of the rising fuel costs and inflation. They argue that the high cost of fuel has severely cut into their earnings, making it nearly impossible to sustain a livelihood.
Reports indicate that the striking drivers have resorted to dramatic measures to amplify their demands. Some have reportedly forced passengers out of the vehicles of non-participating drivers, underscoring the urgency of their grievances. The drivers have also voiced their frustration with county governments, accusing them of failing to provide adequate parking facilities and engaging in extortionate practices through metropolitan traffic personnel.
This struggle among e-hailing drivers reflects the broader economic challenges confronting many Kenyans. Since Uber’s entry into the Kenyan market in January 2015, the cost of fuel has approximately doubled, critically impacting drivers whose income is closely tied to fuel expenses. Although Uber responded to previous protests by reducing its commission rates from 25% to 18% in October 2022, drivers argue that these adjustments have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
In July 2024, taxi drivers in Nairobi staged a five-day protest demanding fare increases from Uber and Bolt to align with current economic realities and ensure fair compensation.
In Mombasa, the dissatisfaction with Uber’s pricing structure has prompted several taxi drivers to switch to alternative platforms such as Little Cab and Yego, which offer higher fares and lower commission rates. Eric Mbaabu, the organizing secretary for the All Coast Online Digital Cabs Accord, noted that this shift followed unsuccessful negotiations with Uber regarding pricing issues.
In June 2023, around 600 drivers in Mombasa entered into an agreement with Yego, which promised more favorable commission rates. This migration underscores the growing discontent among drivers with the leading e-hailing platforms and their quest for more sustainable economic opportunities.
The e-hailing app drivers’ strike is not an isolated event but part of a broader protest movement that has been gaining momentum in Kenya. The “Gen Z Movement,” a youth-led group, has been at the forefront of organizing protests against the government’s economic policies, which they argue disproportionately affect the poor and the working class. The movement has been calling for reforms to address income inequality, corruption, and the high cost of living.
On July 15, 2024, the same day as the cab drivers’ protest, the Gen Z Movement staged one of its largest demonstrations in weeks, further signaling the growing unrest in the country. These youth-led protests have emphasized the discontent of a generation that feels marginalized from country’s economic development. Many young people regard limited economic opportunities and a lack of government accountability as major obstacles to their future, and they are calling for immediate reforms to solve these obstacles.
Despite the government’s calls for dialogue and calm, protests persist and more demonstrations are planned. As pressure mounts, the government faces a crucial challenge in restoring public trust and addressing the economic grievances driving the unrest.
In conclusion, Kenya is at a critical juncture, with protests fueled by economic hardship, perceptions of corruption, and calls for fair governance. The ongoing strikes by e-hailing drivers, youth-led demonstrations, and wider civil unrest show the critical need for reforms. If the government does not take meaningful steps to address these issues, the risk of further instability looms large. In contrast, a genuine commitment to reform, transparency, and equitable economic policies has the potential to restore trust while building a more inclusive future.
The current situation serves as a strong reminder of the need for responsive governance and policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens. As protests continue, the Kenyan government and the international community must closely observe and act, as decisions made now will have a long-term influence on Kenya’s future stability and development.
References:
https://restofworld.org/2024/kenya-uber-rate-cards-fuel-prices
https://techcabal.com/2024/07/15/kenya-ride-hailing-strike/
Nithu Ardithya is an undergraduate of KDU Faculty of Law who can be reached at nithuardithya@gmail.com.
Factum is an Asia-Pacific-focused think tank on International Relations, Tech Cooperation, and Strategic Communications accessible via www.factum.lk.
The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.
