Why Uber is hiding phone numbers of Nairobi drivers, riders

Taxi service company Uber has announced new changes to its app in Nairobi that makes phone numbers of driver-partners and riders anonymous.

The safety precaution took effect on July 12 and will ensure that privacy of the drivers and riders is taken into account at all times.

“Uber will now use software to connect calls between a driver and a rider that anonymises both cell phone numbers.

“Drivers will now see the same contact number for each rider that contacts them,” Loic Amado, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa said in a statement.

According to him, the move will have several benefits such as the driver having access to 24-hour support in the event that they need assistance.

It is also expected that the change will help in keeping a formal communication record.

“Uber will have a record of correspondence to assist with a request, for example, in the event a of a rider having left an item in the vehicle,” Amado said.

The move further enhances compliance with Uber’s Community guidelines to promote mutual respect between riders and drivers, he added.

“It secures each identity and prevents unnecessary contact after a trip,” the Uber statement reads.