This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Uber has expanded its phone option for riders in Nairobi, allowing them to book and pay for rides without using the app. This move targets individuals without smartphones or internet access.
According to Uber, the phone option will make its technology more accessible and easier to use for more people in Kenya, while providing more earning opportunities for driver-partners.
Country Manager for Uber in Kenya, Brian Njao, stated, "We believe that with this option, we can make our technology available and easy to use for more people in Kenya than ever before while providing more earning opportunities for driver-partners."
Here's how the phone option works:
- Call 0800 722 000 from your mobile phone – a support agent will answer shortly to help riders request a ride, regardless of whether they have an Uber account or not.
- Share your location and destination – the agent will ask about the riders' pick-up location and destination addresses and will generate the fare estimate.
- Confirm fare: after the fare confirmation, the agent will order a ride on the Uber platform, on the rider's behalf. The agent will connect the request with the nearest available driver.
- Access your trip data via SMS: riders will then soon receive an SMS with all details about the ride (confirmation of trip, estimated arrival time, car details such as license plate, make and colour, the name of the driver and contact number,) and also a link where you can follow the car route.
Payment is done in cash only once the rider reaches their destination.
Uber has also partnered with UAP-Old Mutual to provide insurance coverage for riders, even when requesting an Uber ride without a smartphone.
Earlier this year, Uber launched Uber Lite, a simpler version of the Uber app which works on any Android phone while saving storage space and data.
