This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Uber has announced a price increase for its services in Kenya, effective August 26, 2019. The move aims to benefit the company's drivers, who have been pushing for fare increases due to high operating costs.
The price increase comes just weeks after Bolt, Uber's biggest rival, removed its budget fares option, effectively raising charges for its users. As a result, Bolt riders have been paying about 30 percent more in fares.
According to Uber, the new prices will see riders taking the Uber X option pay up to 29 percent more in fares. An Uber X trip from Nairobi CBD to Buru Buru, for instance, will now cost a minimum of about Sh600 when there is minimal traffic, a 29 percent increase from the previous rate.
Uber has also scrapped off its UberSelect premium category and replaced it with the Uber X option, which will only enlist cars with an engine capacity of above 1300cc. The new Uber model also disables the driver's ability to switch between categories, taking away the freedom they previously enjoyed.
“From Monday, 26 August 2019, Uber will be introducing changes to Uber ChapChap and UberX. These changes have been informed by your continued feedback and many months of thorough reviews on the growth and sustainability of your earnings opportunity,” said Uber in a notice sent to drivers and partners on Tuesday.
