Uber and Safaricom have joined forces to offer free mobile data to Uber and Uber Eats app users in Kenya. This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and make these services more accessible to a wider range of users.
By zero-rating the Uber and Uber Eats apps, Safaricom enables drivers, delivery partners, and riders to use the apps without incurring data charges. This move is expected to significantly reduce costs for drivers and enhance the overall user experience.
As per an Uber survey, one of the biggest challenges for many Kenyans is the lack of sufficient access to mobile data. “Through this partnership with Safaricom, we can help bridge the gap in accessing data for many Kenyans, by which they will be able to access reliable and safe mobility. For drivers, this represents savings as they will not need to spend money on mobile data while driving on the Uber app,” said Imran Manji, Head of East Africa at Uber.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that extend access to vital services. “This partnership is part of our goal to provide our customers with innovative solutions that allow them to access vital services even when they do not have data bundles or airtime through collaboration with organizations such as Uber to extend free access of their services to customers,” he said.
To use the free data, Uber drivers and riders should ensure that VPN blockers are disabled on their devices. Additionally, they are advised to toggle Airplane Mode off and on before accessing the free data service.
Since its launch in Kenya nearly a decade ago, Uber has introduced various products, including Uber Electric Boda and Uber Comfort, designed to integrate seamlessly into the lives of Kenyan consumers. This latest collaboration with Safaricom is another step toward making Uber’s services accessible and affordable across the country.
