This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On August 30, 2019, Egyptian-based firm SWVL launched its services in Kenya with a Sh1.5 billion investment, marking the second city in Africa for the firm.
The investment will go towards improving current operations and scaling up the business into new routes in the city and other towns in the country.
SWVL Co-founder and Chief Executive Mostafa Kandil said, "There is a big opportunity in Nairobi for us to create a mass transit system for the middle class and the Sh1.5 billion investment will go into setting up the infrastructure and networks to make it happen."
The firm has so far built a network of 150 buses running along 55 routes with numerous pick-up and drop-off points.
SWVL engages drivers who already own and operate their buses to join its fleet in a lease agreement, with drivers and the firm signing an agreement on a minimum daily guarantee based on the average earnings expected per day from each bus.
The service allows users to book scheduled rides via its mobile app for Sh200 per trip, targeting consumers who want a more orderly commute than the conventional matatu ride while paying less than taxi-hailing services like Uber and Bolt.
