In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” These words are an accurate illustration of what Kenyan taxi drivers’ unity stands for. Leading to the formation of a national association that unites the 47 counties in Kenya. The association named Mobile Taxi Association of Kenya will incorporate Taxi drivers, TukTuk drivers as well as BodaBoda riders.
The Interim Chairman of the Mobile Taxi Association of Kenya, Mr. Samuel Ogutu, who is also the chairman of Mombasa BodaBoda Association, said, that the drivers have come together to give themselves a collective voice for positive change in their industry by effectively engaging the government.
The association has already setup county committees and representatives for over 10 counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kwale, Kilifi, Uasin Gishu, Kaimbu and others. They aspire to have all county committees inaugurated within the next 30 days, which will be followed by a national conference at a later date to be announced soon.
“For far too long, taxi drivers in Kenya, have not had a strong voice to provide input about regulations and policies that affect their livelihoods,” said Mr. Ogutu. “This association will give them the strong voice and the platform they need and deserve.”
The Mobile Taxi Association leadership also lauded the government, for the gazettement of the Transport Regulations that govern the taxi industry. They called on the government through NTSA, to ensure the implementation of the regulations was done in consultation and participation of the industry stakeholders.
David Mwangi, the secretary of the association said that everyone has a right to do business in Kenya, but what drivers want is a fair level playing ground across the various taxi mobile apps, to enable taxi drivers compete fairly. “We just want to provide good services to our customers and earn a fair income.” said Mr. Mwangi.
The leadership recognizes that taxi driver issues do not end at mobile applications, and therefore has engaged various partners to discuss initiatives that will benefit taxi drivers. “We want to put money into the pockets of our members who are taxi drivers”, said Mr. Benjamin Juma, the Treasurer and representative for TukTuk Drivers.
Taxi drivers interested in joining the Mobile Taxi Association (MTAK) are advised to check more details from the association website; www.mobiletaxi.org
