TIFA Research’s new independent research highlights the potential impact of higher ride-hailing fares on Nairobi passengers, against a backdrop of continued cost-of-living pressures. The study, which surveyed 733 Nairobi residents, shows that affordability remains central to how consumers make transport choices and points to the need to consider passenger behaviour alongside driver welfare as discussions around the proposed minimum fare continue. Nairobi accounts for over 90% of Kenya’s ride-hailing market share.
Key findings from the report include:
- 60% would shift to alternative transport if fares increased significantly: 44% would use matatus more often, while others (16%) would turn to boda bodas, walking or personal vehicles. Only 18% would continue using ride-hailing as usual.
- 81% of Nairobi households are already facing economic pressure: 62% cite the rising cost of essentials, including transport, fuel, food and education, as their biggest challenge, while 19% point to constrained incomes.
- 72% indicate ride-hailing supports everyday economic activity: 28% use it to commute to work or school, 20% for business travel and 15% for shopping and errands, reinforcing the importance of affordability beyond leisure travel.
- 63% prefer the fares to remain market-driven: Nearly two-thirds believe ride-hailing fares should be determined by market competition, compared with 33% who favour government regulation.
Click HERE to download the full report
