Kenyan digital taxi drivers are threatening to switch off taxi apps citing the failure by the Government to gazette the Digital Hailing Service regulations (TNC Rules 2022) which had been passed by the
The drivers under the
The regulations which had been proposed by the
Currently, most ride-hailing firms are charging a commission of at least 20 percent with
Speaking at a press conference, Secretary-General (SG) of DTF Wycliffe Alutalala stated that the failure by the Transport Cabinet Secretary,
"It is unfortunate that one year down the line, CS Macharia has either refused, neglected, declined, or ignored to gazette the Regulations for reasons best known to himself," lamented SG Alutalala.
If passed, the law would also require international digital taxi firms to set up a subsidiary in
Digital hailing service operators are prohibited from levying or charging other charges, levies, or fees over and above the commission.
If passed, the law will provide an option for the ride-hailing firms to report to NTSA a name, driver's license number and vehicle registration number of a rogue driver deactivated from the platform due to misconduct that posed threat to public safety.
"Any person who contravenes any provision of these regulations commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Sh20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both," the proposals read in part.
"While the proposed regulations are largely progressive, certain components are discriminatory, specifically the proposed 15 percent cap on commissions, Setting a precedent of such prohibitive regulations could lead to a broader impact on the industry. The proposed regulatory pricing control will only serve to limit innovation and competitiveness in the ride-hailing industry," the firms said.
Copyright Capital FM. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)., source