Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Digital Hailing Cabs and Private Taxis Fight Over Space in CBD

Nakuru digital hailing Cabs chairman Mathew Lesanjo. The drivers support move by the County to ban private taxis from the CBD.

Photo credit: JOSEPH OPENDA|NMG

The decision by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to return Matatu operations to the city Centre has sparked conflict between cab operators. 

A standoff has emerged between two factions of taxi cabs which are battling over the right to operate within the city. 

The fight emerged from the decision by the county to bar public service vehicles from picking and dropping passengers at various points within the town streets. 

Those banned include Matatus and private taxis that had set their stage at gate house and along the Kenyatta Avenue. 

The move has however attracted divergent reactions from two factions of the operators. That is the digital hailing Cabs and the private taxis operating as PSVs. 

While the private taxis have protested the move to be banned from the CBD, the digital hailing Cabs drivers have come out to support the move. 

In a meeting last week, the private taxis had staged a demonstration to the County offices lamenting harassment by the county askaris. 

The group claimed the askaris have been arresting them and their passengers thus frustrating their work. 

Drivers operating under the online hailing Cabs have however come out to defend the county noting that the former has destroyed their business.

Digital hailing Cabs chairman Mathew Lesanjo said they have been unable to meet their needs because clients are using the private vehicles which are not licensed to operate as PSVs.

"We wish to Commend the county for the move and challenge them to continue enforcing the regulations. It is unfair for us to compete with people who are operating illegally," said Mr Lesanjo.

Drivers of the digital hailing cabs held a peaceful demonstration along the Kenyatta Avenue on Monday.