Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya: Addressing the Challenges in the Digital Economy

By Cynthia Masibo

Worth Noting:

• To the Ministry of Transport, they urged the need to ensure that existing policies encompassed their needs. Despite several meetings, no action had been taken. They held the ministry accountable for the lack of response to their pleas. Similarly, the NTSA was called upon to step up and enforce regulations within the industry. The disparity between travel distance and fare rates needed urgent attention, as current practices led to significant financial losses for drivers.
• The Competition Authority was asked to clarify the rules of the game in this business. A review of the methods used by these companies in determining trip fares was essential. They called for government intervention to set price regulation policies promptly.

The Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya yesterday, addressed the growing concerns faced by their members in a keynote speech delivered by Calvin Okumu who is The Executive Chairperson. The address highlighted the pressing challenges within the digital economy, where unfair competition and unreasonable fare structures have significantly impacted drivers’ incomes.

The Association called for urgent intervention from various government ministries and agencies, urging stakeholders to unite and create a more balanced and equitable environment. Okumu emphasized the need for the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Transport, the NTSA, and the Competition Authority to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure fair treatment and compensation for digital boda drivers.

Members, who formed the backbone of the digital economy, faced numerous challenges that impacted their ability to earn a fair income. Among these were unfair competition and unreasonable fare structures. It was imperative that stakeholders united to address these issues, fostering a balanced and equitable environment for all.

They called upon the Ministry of ICT for urgent intervention in regulating the e-commerce segment of the economy. The current policy for postal courier services was untenable. It was unreasonable for a driver to queue in a supermarket or restaurant to pick up food worth KES 10,000, deliver it over a distance of 5 km, park a motorcycle, walk 2 km to a doorstep, undergo a security check for 3 minutes, use stairs up to the 8th floor, and then earn only KES 80, with company commissions yet to be deducted. Such conditions were unsustainable.

To the Ministry of Transport, they urged the need to ensure that existing policies encompassed their needs. Despite several meetings, no action had been taken. They held the ministry accountable for the lack of response to their pleas. Similarly, the NTSA was called upon to step up and enforce regulations within the industry. The disparity between travel distance and fare rates needed urgent attention, as current practices led to significant financial losses for drivers.

The Competition Authority was asked to clarify the rules of the game in this business. A review of the methods used by these companies in determining trip fares was essential. They called for government intervention to set price regulation policies promptly.

The government was blamed fully, and it was announced that they would visit these offices in 14 days. Platform owners were urged to adjust their prices with humanity and common sense. Failure to do so within 7 days would result in them camping at the platform owners’ offices. The government was implored to regulate prices—the drivers were crying out for help.

Furthermore, they condemned the increased fuel levy from 18% to 25%. This levy imposed an unbearable burden on them. They also decried the harassment by the Nairobi County Government, whose enforcement officers demanded non-existent documents to access the city. This was both unfair and discriminatory.

To their fellow regular boda riders in town: they asked them to cease the intimidation and collaboration with enforcement officers. They were aware of the actions and would not tolerate them. Embrace technology and collaborate for mutual benefit.

They appealed to the police for understanding. They were a dignified sector of boda riders, navigating various areas as directed by technology. They asked for respect for their role in the digital economy.

Calvin Okumu’s keynote address highlighted the urgent need for constructive dialogue and immediate action to resolve these pressing issues. The Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya remained committed to providing quality services and hoped for a fair and just resolution to these challenges.

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