Uber raises minimum fare by 10 per cent after drivers’ strike in July

The digital taxi drivers' strike in July in protest over existing 'lower' pricing models has borne some fruit, as Uber has decided to revise its minimum charge upwards.

On Monday, the taxi-hailing firm announced that it had decided to increase fare charges across all its models.

Although full disclosure of the specific rates for the models was not given, Uber's head of East Africa Imran Manji, said they have raised the minimum fare by 10 per cent to Sh220 from Sh200.

"The minimum fare for an Uber Chapchap for example is Sh220, that's what the drivers will earn. However, customers with discounts may pay lower," Manji said.

The increase means commuters using Uber going forward will be required to dig a bit deeper into their pockets at the mercy of drivers.

The drivers, after several attempts to engage the app owners turned futile, had resorted to defying the apps' algorithms on fare calculation by setting their fares.

A section of them negotiated prices with their customers from the ones provided online. For those who could not get to agreeing term, their rides could be cancelled and told to find another driver.

Manji categorically noted that the price increase is meant to cushion drivers from the high cost of living.

He further noted that the increase would ensure drivers continue to have the opportunity to maximise their earnings while driving on the app and at the same time, with an endeavour to ensure the rides remain affordable for riders.

From the drivers' strike last month which also involved drivers from other digital taxi firms: Bolt, Faras and other e-taxis, the issues of poor working environment and bad relationship with county governments' law enforcers, commonly known as 'kanjos' were also raised.