This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, Egyptian start-up app-based shuttle service SWVL announced significant growth in its Nairobi operations, with 55 destinations now available to users.
Since its January debut, SWVL has been aggressively expanding its route offerings, with plans to launch in the local market at the end of August.
The service, which began its pilot in Kenya with 26-seater buses, allows users to book trips using their mobile devices, receiving notifications of the nearest pick-up point, price, and time by the bus.
Popular routes include Ruiru to the CBD/Upper Hill, Karen to CBD/Westlands via Upper Hill, and Ongata Rongai to Westlands/CBD via Upper Hill.
According to Kenya Managing Director Shivachi Muleji, the company adds about five different routes every week, with a team on the ground tasked with growing the number of routes and enrolling new buses.
SWVL is also set to introduce a new pricing system, charging riders per kilometre travelled and minutes spent, moving away from the Sh200 flat rate fee for all destinations.
