In a significant boost to Kenya’s digital mobility landscape, Safaricom has partnered with Uber to offer free data access to users of the Uber and Uber Eats apps. This strategic collaboration aims to address one of the key barriers to using mobility platforms in Kenya: the cost of mobile data. The partnership is part of both companies’ broader mission to enhance accessibility, improve convenience, and offer affordable options for users nationwide.
The Details: Free Data for Uber and Uber Eats Users
Under the agreement, Safaricom has zero-rated the Uber and Uber Eats apps, meaning that drivers, delivery partners, and riders can now access these platforms without incurring any data charges. This offer applies to both Uber’s mobility services and Uber Eats, the food delivery platform that connects consumers with local restaurants and grocery stores. By covering data costs, Uber and Safaricom are aiming to make mobility and delivery services more accessible to Kenyans, especially for those who find data costs prohibitive.
Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, emphasized the local significance of this move: “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.”
This zero-rating initiative aims to ease the operational costs for drivers and delivery partners, who can now conduct their activities on the Uber app without spending additional money on data, thereby enhancing their income. Riders, on the other hand, can book rides or order meals through Uber Eats even if they don’t have active data bundles, thereby making the service far more accessible to a broader audience.
How to Access the Free Data
To take advantage of the free data access, users need to ensure that any VPN services are turned off, as they may interfere with the zero-rating capability. Users are also advised to briefly toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset the data connection, ensuring they receive the free access benefit.
Addressing the Digital Divide in Kenya
While internet penetration in Kenya has made remarkable progress, gaps in access persist, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. According to the Kenya National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032, expanding access to information and communication technology (ICT) is critical for fostering economic growth. Uber and Safaricom’s partnership is well aligned with this national agenda, helping bridge digital divides by offering free data access to Uber’s services.
Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, emphasized this point: “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.”
This development particularly benefits young Kenyans and other demographics that may face financial constraints when it comes to purchasing data bundles. By removing this barrier, Safaricom and Uber aim to create a more inclusive platform for both riders and service providers, boosting economic opportunities across the country.
Uber’s Expansion and Product Offerings in Kenya
Since Uber launched in Kenya nearly a decade ago, the company has introduced over nine products designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of Kenyans. These include:
- Uber Boda: An economical motorcycle service for quick and affordable transport.
- Uber Connect: A parcel delivery service.
- Uber Reserve: Allows riders to book their rides in advance, ensuring greater convenience.
- Uber Comfort: A more luxurious ride option for users seeking additional comfort.
- Uber Electric Boda: A sustainable alternative using electric motorcycles, launched to reduce carbon emissions.
Each of these products aligns with Uber’s mission to provide tailored solutions to the specific mobility needs of local markets. Uber’s diverse offerings aim to become an integral part of daily commuting and delivery solutions for Kenyan users, contributing to the ease of transport in cities and addressing logistical needs in the e-commerce and food sectors.
Digital Inclusion and Economic Impact
For Kenya, a country known for its tech-savvy youth and robust mobile money ecosystem, this partnership symbolizes progress toward broader digital inclusion. Mobile data costs have long been a hurdle for many Kenyans, particularly for low-income earners and those living in remote areas. As more people gain access to Uber’s services without the barrier of data costs, the demand for ride-hailing and delivery services is likely to increase, potentially stimulating the economy and creating more job opportunities.
Furthermore, the zero-rating initiative is expected to create significant cost savings for Uber drivers and delivery partners, whose expenses will decrease as they won’t need to purchase data for app usage. This small but impactful saving can contribute to improving their take-home earnings and operational efficiency, enhancing job satisfaction and economic resilience.
The Role of Safaricom in Kenya’s Digital Ecosystem
Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, has been a cornerstone of digital transformation in the region. With over 45.9 million customers, the company’s extensive network of services includes 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity, covering over 99% of Kenya’s population. Safaricom’s flagship product, M-PESA, Africa’s largest fintech platform, has transformed financial inclusion in Kenya, offering millions of unbanked Kenyans access to digital financial services.
Safaricom’s participation in this partnership with Uber is consistent with its mission to innovate and empower Kenyans through connectivity. By enabling free access to data-intensive services, Safaricom demonstrates its commitment to addressing social challenges such as the digital divide and enhancing economic empowerment through connectivity.
Uber’s Impact Across Africa and Kenya’s Regional Standing
Uber’s influence extends well beyond Kenya, with its services available in over 60 cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the prominent cities where Uber operates include:
- South Africa: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, among others.
- Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
- Uganda: Kampala.
- Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
- Ivory Coast: Abidjan.
This extensive reach highlights Uber’s strategic focus on Africa as a growth market and its commitment to providing accessible transportation solutions across the continent. In Kenya, Uber’s expansion has been particularly robust, with the company now serving major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Naivasha.
Challenges and Future Opportunities
Despite the benefits of this partnership, certain challenges remain. Infrastructure issues, especially in rural areas, may still hinder Uber’s accessibility for some Kenyans. Additionally, while Safaricom’s 4G and 5G networks cover a large portion of the country, network stability and internet speeds vary by region, which could impact the user experience.
Moving forward, Uber’s success in Kenya may serve as a model for similar partnerships across Africa, where the cost of mobile data remains a barrier to service adoption. As more global companies recognize the importance of catering to local needs, similar collaborations may emerge, providing affordable access to essential services, from health and education apps to financial technology.
A Win-Win for Digital Mobility and Economic Growth
The partnership between Safaricom and Uber underscores the growing importance of public-private collaborations in fostering digital inclusion. By offering free data access, both companies are addressing a critical barrier to entry for Kenyans, expanding access to reliable transportation and delivery services. This initiative not only supports Uber’s operational goals in Kenya but also aligns with Safaricom’s commitment to innovative and accessible digital solutions.
As Kenya continues its journey toward deeper digital transformation, partnerships like this pave the way for broader economic empowerment. Free access to the Uber app represents a practical step toward a digitally connected future, where mobility, convenience, and accessibility are within reach for all Kenyans. With both Safaricom and Uber committed to enhancing digital access, this partnership could set a precedent, inspiring further innovations that enhance economic resilience and connectivity across Kenya.
