Drivers of digital ride-hailing companies in Kenya are asking the government to classify the services as transport companies and introduce stronger regulations.
An association representing 2,000 drivers for Uber, Taxify and other services say a sustained price war has forced them to work long hours for little money.
The drivers are on a week-long app switch-off to compel the companies to pay them better.
They say the cost per kilometre charged by Uber and Taxify are well below the costs of running a car in Kenya.
The drivers are demanding that the providers double their rates and reduce their commissions to allow them to earn liveable wages.
Their union is asking the government to designate the ride-hailing companies as transport companies and not the technology companies they say they are.
Europe’s highest court made a similar ruling in December after a protracted battle, declaring that Uber was a transportation company and qualified as a taxi service.
Classifying the digital taxi services as a transport company in Kenya would bring them under the control of the National Transport and Safety Authority with more stringent licensing requirements.
The drivers say as many as 30 of their colleagues have died since November because they worked longer hours after fares hit an all-time low.
An average ride currently costs about $1.50.
An Uber spokesperson told the BBC that the firm constantly monitors fares and examines rider price sensitivities to ensure fares are correctly priced.
Taxify also denied claims of exploiting their drivers though neither company responded to specific accusations from their partners.
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