A vast majority of Nairobi ride-hailing users strongly oppose the government’s proposed minimum fare policy for apps like Uber, Bolt, Little Cab, and Faras, fearing the move will drive up daily commuting costs, a new poll by TIFA Research shows.
According to the findings, 59 percent of respondents reject the minimum fare plan, while 39 percent support it, and 2 percent remain undecided. While the government aims to establish a price floor to boost driver pay and improve industry sustainability, commuters remain wary of bearing the financial burden through higher out-of-pocket costs.
The survey underscores that consumer resistance stems from affordability concerns rather than opposition to driver welfare. In fact, 63 percent of users believe market competition among companies should determine prices, compared to just 33 percent who favor government-mandated fare controls.
Another four percent gave no response.
Price Sensitivity Drives Threat of Matatu Migration
The research highlights high price sensitivity among Nairobi’s ride-hailing passengers. About 60 percent of surveyed users admitted they would switch to alternative transport options such as matatus, boda bodas, or walking if ride-hailing fares saw a significant surge.
When asked about their specific reaction to higher prices:
- 44% said they would switch to matatus more frequently.
- 22% would reduce overall usage, with 11 percent taking fewer trips and 11 percent switching to cheaper ride-hailing tiers.
- 18% indicated they would continue using ride-hailing services as usual.
- 16% would turn to walking, personal vehicles, boda bodas, or stop using the services entirely.
Low Awareness Around Proposed Changes
TIFA Research found that public awareness of the regulatory proposal remains relatively low, with only 27 percent of users reporting prior knowledge of the plan.
Among those informed about the policy, 42 percent expected it to harm passengers by making rides more expensive, while 12 percent anticipated an immediate shift of commuters toward public transport alternatives.
While opponents cite price hikes (36 percent) and a preference for market-driven pricing (36 percent) as their primary concerns, 16 percent of policy supporters emphasized that drivers deserve better earnings.
Survey Methodology
TIFA Research conducted the field study between July 17 and July 21, 2026, across Nairobi County. The survey gathered responses from 733 adults aged 18 and older through face-to-face, household-based interviews in Swahili and English. The study carries a margin of error of +/- 2.18 percent.
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