Ride-hailing platform drivers have striked, demanding better pay amid the rising cost of doing business, which has eaten into their pockets.

The protest applies on both Uber and Bolt drivers, among others.

A Bolt driver who spoke on condition of anonymity called on operators to boost ride charges, which he claimed were currently unsustainable for them.

Drivers have been complaining of price calculation formulas by operators, which they argue do not factor in unforeseen dynamics such as rising fuel costs, distances, et cetera. For example, a liter of super petrol has risen to about Sh180 per liter over the last few years amid global supply chain disruptions.

After numerous complaints, the operators recently hiked fares to cushion drivers amid cases of cab operators applying different charges to passengers outside of the operators prescribed charges.

Last month, Bolt increased earnings for drivers by 10 percent to cushion them from rising operational costs.

It then said that the hike will apply across all its ride categories.

With the extra 10 percent, for example, a trip that would ordinarily cost Sh200 will now grow to Sh220, representing a Sh20 increase.

The increment follows a series of engagements between drivers and the company that culminated in the decision to raise their earnings.

Earlier, Uber had also increased fare prices to protect drivers.