Hard-pressed Kenyan drivers defy Uber’s algorithm, set their own fares

Hard-pressed Kenyan drivers defy Uber’s algorithm, set their own fares

In Nairobi, taxi drivers like Judith Chepkwony face a severe downturn due to intense competition among ride-hailing services Uber, Bolt, and local startups, which has driven fares too low to sustain their livelihoods. With rising living costs and car loans, many drivers are defying app-generated rates by negotiating higher fares directly with customers. Despite the inconvenience, Chepkwony reports that about half of her customers agree to pay more. This practice clashes with Uber’s policies, which mandate adherence to algorithmic pricing, leading to tensions between the company’s global standards and local economic realities.

Kenya’s economic struggles, including protests against tax hikes and high living costs, have further strained drivers’ finances. Local drivers have responded by using apps like Zello to coordinate fare increases and creating printed fare guides for transparency. Some local companies, such as Faras Cabs, have recently raised their rates to better support drivers. However, this has led to time-consuming negotiations and frustration among customers, who find that the process often negates the convenience of using a ride-hailing service.