The association says the decision to halt the planned strike mainly reflects the interests of matatu operators, while leaving out taxi drivers who rely on petrol and are also heavily affected by the rising cost of fuel.
According to the drivers, most of the current negotiations have focused on diesel prices, which directly affect the matatu sector, but have not given equal attention to petrol-dependent operators, particularly those in the taxi and online cab industry.
The association now insists that taxi drivers must be included in all consultations aimed at resolving the fuel pricing dispute, warning that excluding them risks worsening tensions within the wider transport industry.
In a firm position statement, the association issued a seven-day ultimatum to both the government and digital taxi companies, demanding urgent engagement and clear measures to address their concerns.
They warned that failure to respond within the stated period could trigger protests and coordinated action across the sector.
The group further argued that the rising cost of fuel has placed significant pressure on taxi operators, many of whom are struggling to maintain their earnings due to fixed or controlled fare structures imposed by digital ride-hailing platforms.
They added that without a structured review of fares, many drivers risk operating at a loss, especially as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
At the same time, the association has called on online cab operators to consider adjusting fares upwards to ensure sustainability for drivers, saying that current pricing models are no longer viable under the prevailing economic conditions.
The drivers argue that fare adjustments would help balance operational costs and ensure that operators remain active in providing transport services without suffering financial strain.
National Taxi Drivers Association maintained that taxi drivers have been sidelined in key discussions despite playing a critical role in urban mobility, especially in major towns and cities where ride-hailing services have become a dominant form of transport.