This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, Little made a significant announcement in the Kenyan transportation sector by introducing Longhaul shuttles, designed to cover long distances. The first route will be from Nairobi to Nakuru, with daily services available.
What's more, Little is offering free rides on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, making it an attractive option for those looking to travel long distances without breaking the bank.
According to the app, the route is already available, with different times for the buses and various pickup and drop-off points. This flexibility makes it an ideal option for those traveling from Nairobi to other destinations such as Limuru, Naivasha, and vice versa.
While this is a good idea for people who frequently travel long distances, it remains to be seen whether it will be a success. The Nairobi-Nakuru route is a good starting point, but longer commutes like Nairobi-Eldoret may be a different story, with established bus and matatu services already in place.
One major question remains: what does this mean for Little? Are they aiming to become a full-fledged transport company, and if so, how will they compete with established bus companies and matatus?
It's worth noting that Little has clarified that they are not Safaricom-backed, but rather have a marketing partnership with the company.