Nairobi, Kenya, March 23 – Uber has announced it will start offering its cab services in Mombasa after launching in the capital Nairobi nearly a year ago.
The San-Francisco based technology company says the uptake and success of Uber in other cities has prompted the cab-hailing app to launch in the coastal city.
This is in spite of the persistent attacks and threats Uber drivers in Nairobi have received.
Yesterday, an Uber taxi was burnt in Nairobi, Riruta estate, a month after another Uber driver was attacked and his car razed by fire in Kilimani.
Unlike Nairobi, Uber has opted to launch UberX in Mombasa. UberX works with partner drivers to provide affordable and efficient transport within cities. To entice users, UberX is offering free rides for six days for customers.
“For those who don’t know, Uber moves around millions of global citizens every day offering affordable and reliable rides at the touch of a button. By offering a friendly and reliable complement to existing transport options, we can help improve urban mobility in Mombasa, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time,” says Kagure Wamunyu, Operations Manager for Uber Kenya.
Mombasa becomes the 399th city where Uber is in operation. Users have been drawn to use the service due to the relative lower costs, better customer service and less waiting time.
“Trips are no longer anonymous. When a driver accepts your request, you see his or her first name, photo, and license plate number. You can also check whether others have had a good experience with him or her. In addition, the driver can see your first name and rating,” explains a statement sent by Uber.
A University of California study revealed on-demand cabs like Uber and Lyft arrive under 10 minutes, 90 percent of the time compared to only 16 percent of traditional taxis.
“Uber is an exciting platform that is changing the way Kenyans move around their cities and we are shaping the future of cities across the world. Mombasa is a cultural and economic hub as well as a popular tourist destination that has a need for safe, reliable and efficient transportation and we are so excited to be launching here,” said Nate Anderson, acting General Manager for Uber Kenya.
