Tax Drivers Announce National Strike, Here Is Why

On July 9^th, tax drivers across the country announced a nationwide strike aimed at forcing the government, specifically Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, to address their concerns.

According to the message shared by the tax union representative, the strike will also involve other public transport service providers among them boda boda riders and matatu operators.

The taxi drivers expressed their distress over the exorbitant rise in fuel prices as well as the government had failed to address their concerns despite numerous petitions and pleas to help them improve the industry.

“There shall be a nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 12, involving everyone in the transport industry including taxi drivers, boda boda operators, matatus, and other affiliate transport service providers.

“Do not try to put your car on the road. We are warning you not to try to test the waters on the day of the strike. We will take to the streets and demonstrate up until when our demands shall be met by the government,” the leader stated.

Related Content: Matatu Operators Suspend Operations Over Fuel Hike

Among the issues that taxi drivers want to be addressed, apart from the cost of fuel, they also pay rates from digital companies, traffic police intimidation, and insecurity. All taxi drivers and motorists were thus warned to keep their cars off the road to avoid unpleasant encounters during the industrial strike.

The taxi drivers insist that they will ensure that all transport systems in the country are paralyzed until their demands are met. They claimed that the rates of fuel had been rising steadily in recent months putting a significant financial strain on their businesses.

They also claimed that some digital companies had squeezed their profits despite skyrocketing inflation rates. The tax drivers blamed traffic police officers who they claimed targeted them for parking fines, even when they were not breaking any laws.

“This can be a major source of stress and anxiety for taxi drivers and it has also led to financial losses. In order to address these issues, governments and industry groups need to work together to find solutions that will benefit both taxi drivers and their customers,” the association added.

Related Content: Matatu Operators And Long Distance Drivers Issues Strike Notice, Here’s Why