Uber has announced a series of new regulations for its drivers in Kenya, aimed at improving service quality and addressing concerns over declining earnings caused by a surge in driver numbers. These changes, set to take effect in January, include stricter vehicle age requirements and mandatory training for new drivers, marking a significant shift in the company’s operational framework in the region.
The ride-hailing giant will lower the maximum vehicle age for its economy categories, such as ChapChap and UberXL, from 16 years to 10 years. For its premium Uber Comfort category, the vehicle age cap will drop from 16 years to just 8 years. These adjustments are intended to limit the number of drivers entering the platform while enhancing the customer experience by ensuring newer, better-maintained cars.
Uber’s move comes as Kenya grapples with an oversupply of ride-hailing drivers, a situation exacerbated by a soft economy that has significantly cut drivers’ earnings. The influx of drivers has sparked widespread discontent, with frequent protests and calls for pricing reforms to increase driver income.
To further bolster service quality, Uber will also implement mandatory training sessions for all new drivers. These sessions aim to familiarize entrants with Uber’s operational standards, community guidelines, and platform features. By enhancing driver competency, Uber seeks to rebuild customer trust and loyalty amidst rising competition in Kenya’s ride-hailing market.
The company’s new measures, however, risk alienating drivers operating older vehicles, many of whom rely on Uber as their primary source of income. Critics argue that the changes could exacerbate existing tensions, particularly if Uber fails to address pricing structures that many drivers say unfairly limit their earnings.
