DIGITIZING EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS IN THE ERA OF GIG WORK: THE CASE OF UBER AND UBER DRIVERS
Abstract
Uber Technologies Inc. is a ride-hailing company that developed what has been
widely described as a disruptive technology108, in Kenya and globally. It is an
online platform that allows the user to order the nearest vehicle to their location
as pinpointed by the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).109 The company was
founded in 2009 by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, and quickly became a
captain in the transport industry.
Uber reported revenues of $31.8 billion, despite overhead costs resulting in a loss
of $9.06 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022.110 For the end of the 2023
first Quarter, Uber reported a 29% Year-on-Year rise in revenue to $8.8 billion,
showing positive and strong growth as compared to the first quarter of 2022.111
Europe, Middle East and Africa contributed a total of $2.09 billion to that figure,
representing an increase of 86% from Q1 2022.112 This was the highest single
point of growth as compared to other regions around the globe, indicating rapid
uptake of the application and favorable business conditions in the said region.
Despite various scandals that have made the company an interesting one to watch
by the business community, Uber has acquired its global position on merit. In
addition to providing an accessible, affordable and easy-to-use innovation, it has
provided gainful employment to about 22,800 employees worldwide and
facilitated over 5 million drivers and couriers to earn a living globally.113 Uber
employs approximately 12000 drivers in Kenya alone. The company is regulated
by the National Transport and Regulatory Authority under the Transport Network
Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers Regulations of 2022.
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