Following successful launch in Major Kenyan towns; Mombasa and Nairobi, Uber has now officially started offering its services to residents of Nakuru town. The online taxi provider will avail both its food delivery and taxi services to the residents. The move pits it against other taxi providers in the country, who have been quick to rollout their services in various towns within the country.
Uber will officially be joining the likes of Bolt as well as other local based providers to compete for riders in the town. Other service providers such as Wasili cabs, Bolt, Bomba and Safiri will each compete for the lucrative market within the town.
Speaking on the launch, Uber head of East Africa Brian Njao said the company was optimistic regarding business opportunities in the country and the introduction of its services in Nakuru shows the commitment Uber has in the region. Njao further noted the company was keen to assisting people during the pandemic period to make essential trips safely while at the same time giving Kenyans more economic opportunities.
And while Uber is generally preferred by Kenyans in the towns they are operational, Estonian based taxi hailing company – Bolt enjoys a generally wider presence in the country, with operations in Kisumu and Kakamega adding to major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa.
And as is the case here in Nairobi, Uber has partnered with restaurants in the area, such as KFC, Java house, jamia food mart, Majid restaurant and Lennz Pizza to deliver food to residents through Uber Eats service.
Kenya is currently undergoing a lock down as well as other directives that restrict normal operations of restaurants and bars to curb the spread of the corona virus and the introduction of its services in the area will come as a major relief to many businesses.
Bolt has also recently introduced food delivery service in the country – staring with Nairobi, putting pressure on Uber Eats, Glovo and Jumia Food, who have been in the industry for a while. The introduction of Uber Eats in Nakuru adds Uber’s presence in the country, following recent expansion in Mombasa, Ongata Rongai, Syokimau and Kitengela.