Ride-hailing platform Uber has inked a partnership with Safaricom that will see customers of both firms download and use the e-taxi app without a data charge as part of efforts aimed at countering growing competition in the market.
In the deal, which covers Uber Eats clients, the ride-hailing firm will foot the data costs following a survey in which it identified access to mobile data as a key hindrance to consumption of the mobility products.
“As a global company that operates locally, it is important to us to understand local nuances of the market we live and operate in. Through this partnership with Safaricom, we can help bridge the gap in accessing data for many Kenyans, by which they will be able to access reliable and safe mobility,” noted Uber head of East Africa Imran Manji.
“For drivers, this represents savings as they will not need to spend money on mobile data while driving on the Uber app.”
The multinational notes that while Kenya has made great and commendable strides in internet penetration, the digital divide still exists especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
On his part, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa termed the partnership as a step towards the telco’s goal of providing its customers with innovative and impactful solutions.
“This partnership is part of our goal to provide our customers with innovative solutions that allow them to access vital services even when they do not have data bundles or airtime through collaboration with organisations such as Uber to extend free access of their services to customers,” said Mr Ndegwa.
To access the free data, customers will need to ensure that all Virtual Private Network (VPN) blockers are turned off on their phones.
Drivers and riders are also advised to turn the Airplane Mode on and off on their phones before accessing the free data.
World Bank disclosures in August this year revealed that Kenya has the lowest pricing on mobile data as a proportion of monthly per capita gross national income within the East African region.
