This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, Maridady Motors, a Nairobi-based vehicle sales company, introduced Peppea, an online taxi hailing platform, in Ruaka, Kiambu County.
The new service joins a crowded market dominated by multinationals such as Uber, Little Cab, and Bolt, which have faced criticism from drivers and clients over issues like low earnings and confusing fares.
According to Erick Wokabi, business development manager at Maridady Motors, the company has been researching a solution for over a year to provide a reliable, safer, and more economical transport system.
Under the Peppea platform, drivers will pay a seven percent commission, compared to competitors who charge up to 200 shillings from the same amount. This means drivers will earn 100 shillings more per 1,000 shillings, while clients pay 25 shillings less.
The platform offers various payment options, including M-Pesa, credit and debit cards, and online payments through the Peppea wallet. Clients can also pay using a QR code for convenience.
Maridady Motors is rolling out the platform in five phases, with the first phase launched in Ruaka on October 5, 2019.
