Uber introduces new product in Nairobi
Uber has announced the launch of uberBODA in Nairobi that will allow riders to hail a Boda-Boda motorcycle using the Uber app.
uberBODA driver-partners will be required to attend a screening process and an information session which will include education on the Uber app as well as road safety tips. The Drivers will be provided with a reflective jacket as well as a helmet for both the passenger and driver.
Uber Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, who is in Nairobi, said the ride-sharing global company is keen on building technology that meets the needs of the local market.
“We will continue to invest our technology in products like uberBODA that seek to support local businesses while providing another safe, reliable and convenient choice for passengers,” said Gore-Coty.
He assured that uberBODA will provide the same seamless door to door Uber experience passengers are used to with Uber, but on the back of a Boda-Boda.
“Passengers will still be able to see all their driver-partners details, such as their name, photo, and license plate number. Passengers can also see whether others have had a good experience with the uberBODA driver and they will be able to contact each other via the app if there is any confusion around pick-up details.”
Passengers and drivers will also benefit from Injury Protection provided by UAP-Old Mutual to ensure they have more peace of mind when using uberBODA.
To request a ride with uberBODA, passenger simply need to open the Uber app and select uberBODA. uberBODA has a base fare of Sh55, minimum fare of Sh60 and Sh14 per KM.
Passengers can access uberBODA in all neighbourhoods of Nairobi except the CBD.
The company’s launch of uberBODA in Nairobi follows a recent launch of uberBODA in Kampala, Uganda earlier in March of this year.
UberBODA will compete with Uganda-based SafeBoda which launched in Kenya in August and Taxify which unveiled its Boda service in March 2018.
Uber, who is also and alumnae of Nairobi Garage, also in September announced the launch of UberPoa in Mombasa which will provide transport in Mombasa using Tuk Tuk via the Uber app.
Dar Es Salaam was the first city in East Africa to receive uberPOA. UberBODA and uberPOA will be running alongside uberX and will follow the same strict safety measures applied to all Uber options.
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