Kenya: Nearly 3 in 5 Kenyans Oppose Proposed Ride-Hailing Fare Hikes

What the report says

A new survey reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica suggests Kenyans are split over proposed higher fares for ride-hailing services, with cost concerns dominating the debate. The poll found that nearly three in five respondents oppose the idea of fare increases, reflecting broader worries about how regulation could affect everyday transport costs in Nairobi and beyond.

According to the report, 36% of respondents said ride-hailing prices should be left to market forces, while another 36% worried that government regulation could make trips more expensive. Support for intervention was lower but still present: 16% backed regulation because they believe drivers need better earnings, 12% said government oversight is necessary, and 10% said they would accept higher fares if service quality improved. A small share, 2%, argued that authorities should focus on lowering fuel costs instead of setting ride prices.

The article says Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority proposed mandatory minimum compensation floors and base per-kilometer rates for digital platforms such as Uber and Bolt in July. Those proposals include minimum take-home amounts for drivers, with higher figures for larger vehicle categories. The issue highlights a policy trade-off seen in many cities: keeping app-based transport affordable for passengers while trying to improve driver pay and working conditions.

The report also notes that some digital providers fear strict price floors could push customers back toward cheaper public transport, while driver groups support state intervention because of commission charges and rising operating costs.