This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 18, 2020, Uber launched its delivery service, "Connect", in Kenya, marking a significant shift in the company's focus towards delivery services.
The service utilizes motorcycles to deliver packages, offering same-day courier services to customers. In Kenya, the service has a weight cap of 15 kilograms for every package and does not cover the transport of items worth more than KSh 5,300, as it does not offer insurance for packages.
Uber's delivery service in Kenya charges a base fare of KSh 55 and an additional fee of KSh 14 per kilometre and KSh 1 per minute on the road, mirroring the costs of its motorbike service, "Uber Boda".
Uber's Diversification Amidst the Pandemic ¶
Uber's expansion into delivery services is a response to the decline in ride-hailing revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's global delivery services began in April, offering essential goods like groceries through its "Uber Direct" service.
Kenya is not alone in this shift, as ride-hailing companies are diversifying their services to adapt to the changing market. In May, Bolt introduced delivery services, while Little Cab expanded its services to include ambulance services.
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