Uber has entered Nairobi’s motorcycle-hailing market with UberBoda, a move that puts it in direct competition with Taxify for riders seeking a faster way through the city’s traffic.
The service was introduced in 2018, eight months after Taxify launched a similar product in Nairobi. UberBoda is available through Uber’s app and can be used in all parts of the city except the Central Business District, where boda bodas are barred.
Pricing for the new service starts at a Sh55 base fare, plus Sh14 for every kilometre travelled. Uber said the shortest trip would cost Sh60. Taxify Boda, by contrast, charges a Sh30 base fare, Sh15 per kilometre and Sh3 per minute, with its shortest ride priced at Sh50.
UberBoda does not include per-minute charges.
Uber said the Kenya launch followed the earlier rollout of UberBoda in Kampala, Uganda, in March. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber’s vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the company wanted to build products suited to local market needs.
“We are excited about the launch of uberBODA in Nairobi. While Uber has grown into a global brand, we understand the importance of building technology to meet 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 Vice President for Uber in Europe Middle East and Africa, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty.
Motorcyclists joining the platform must first present the documents required by the National Transport and Safety Authority and complete road safety training. Uber also said it would provide reflective jackets and helmets for riders and passengers.
“Passengers will still be able to see all their driver-partners details, such as their name, photo, and license plate number,” said Gore-Coty.
