uberBODA: Uber unveils boda boda service in Nairobi

Digital ride-hailing firm Uber on Thursday announced the launch of its latest product, uberBODA, that will allow commuters to secure a boda-boda using the Uber app.

The company’s launch of uberBODA in Nairobi follows a recent launch of uberBODA in Kampala, Uganda earlier in March of this year.

Passengers can access uberBODA in all neighbourhoods of Nairobi except the Central Business District (CBD) where boda-boda operations were recently banned by the county government.

Vice President for Uber in Europe Middle East and Africa Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty said the unveiling of uberBODA will not only offer an affordable and reliable manner of transportation within the city, but will enable uberBODA driver-partners in Nairobi to further grow their small businesses.

“With uberBODA, we provide the same seamless door to door Uber experience passengers are used to with Uber, but on the back of a Boda-Boda—an easy, affordable option tailored to move through the traffic on short trips around town,” said Gore-Coty.

Passengers will be able to see all their rider’s details, such as their name, photo, and license plate number. They can also see whether others have had a good experience with the uberBODA driver and they will be able to contact each other via the app if there is any confusion around pick-up details.

All uberBODA driver-partners will undergo a screening process and will be required to have all relevant permits in order to operate on the Uber app.

Each driver-partner will also attend an information session which will include education on the Uber app as well as road safety tips. Drivers will be provided with a reflective jacket as well as a helmet for both the passenger and driver.

To request a ride with uberBODA, passenger simply need to open the Uber app and select uberBODA. uberBODA has a base fare of KES 55, minimum fare of KES 60 and KES 14 per KM.

Other products of Uber in Kenya include Uber has uberCHAPCHAP, uberX, uberSELECT and uberPOA.