The Transport Workers Union Kenya (TAWU-Kenya) has formally notified Uber and Bolt, along with key State regulators, of its intention to file a Constitutional Petition.
The union, on November 5, stated that the move targets exploitative and unlawful digital labour practices that undermine drivers’ rights.
“Drivers are not slaves of the algorithm. They deserve dignity, fair compensation, and protection under Kenya’s labour laws,” TAWU-Kenya stated.
TAWU-Kenya has formally placed on notice the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Uber B.V. and Uber Kenya Limited, Bolt Operations OÜ and Bolt Kenya Limited, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).
Uber And Bolt Put on Notice in Kenya Over Exploitation of Drivers
The union says the petition, to be filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, will challenge:
- Deducting commissions above the legally mandated 18% cap (Digital Hailing Regulations, 2022)
- Unilaterally controlling pricing and reducing driver earnings
- Deactivating driver accounts without due process effectively digital dismissal
- Processing driver data without transparency, contrary to the Data Protection Act, 2019
Also Read: Why Uber Passengers Will Now Receive eTIMS Invoices After Every Ride
The union says it is collaborating with driver associations and civil society organisations to gather evidence and prepare affidavits, citing constitutional provisions on fair labour practices, consumer rights, and fair administrative action.
Respondents have 14 days to address the issues; after this period, TAWU-Kenya will proceed to file the petition in court.
“The union has given the respondents fourteen (14) days to address the issues raised in the Notice, failure to which TWU-Kenya will proceed to file the petition in court,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Bolt, KEBS, and Boda Boda Riders Clash Over Khalwale’s Controversial Bill
Online Drivers Petition Govt Over Low Prices
Drivers under the Amalgamation of Digital Transport Organisations (ADTO) announced plans to march and present their grievances to the government.
On Sunday, November 2, drivers from Uber and Bolt temporarily suspended services and went offline to protest low fares, which they say have made their operations unsustainable.
The group also stated that the strike would involve demonstrations and picketing, with no drivers working during the shutdown period.
“The Communication Committee of the Amalgamation of Digital Transport Organisation–Kenya, through the joint chairs, wishes to notify all captains, vehicle owners and operators, digital boda riders, app companies and the general public that from midnight, 3rd November 2025, all captains will engage in a switch-off of all application companies and no drivers will be available online,” the group said in a statement.
“The captains and the entire driver community will also be engaging in demonstrations and picketing, and no driver will be working during the period that others have switched off.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
