Uber bows to pressure, raises fares to meet drivers’ demands
Taxi-hailing app company Uber has announced a marginal increase to its fares in Kenya.
The firm confirmed on Wednesday said the increase is necessary to benefit both riders and driver-partners.
“We believe driver-partners will earn more as a result of these changes and that riders will continue to enjoy access to a safe, affordable and reliable service.” it said in a statement.
In the new rates, riders will pay a minimum fare of Sh300 and Sh200 in Nairobi and Mombasa.
This is an increase by Sh100 and Sh50 respectively.
Besides, riders based in Nairobi and Mombasa will now part with Sh42 per km of the journey, up from Sh35.
The charges take effect immediately.
The increase comes in the wake of calls by transport stakeholders, including National Assembly’s Transport Committee Chairman Maina Kamanda, for Uber to increase fares or face regulations.
“We dont want to force you. If we see that you are not willing to regulate, this committee can recommend to the House that we regulate you,” Mr Kamanda had said during a meeting with the firm’s managers.
