In an event that had me giddy and excited for the next part, Uber on Thursday announced the launch of Electric Boda in Kenya, a first for Uber in Africa and a significant milestone in sustainable mobility on the continent.
The launch of electric motorcycles offers an affordable, comfortable, and reliable means of mobility within the city, as well as a zero-emissions method to help drive green transformation in the country. Using Electric Boda will initially cost 15-20% less than a regular Uber Boda trip, making it a more affordable option for riders.
Uber’s launch of Electric Boda vehicles presents an approximate 30-35% reduction in running costs for drivers, for whom fuel is one of the most significant costs. This will help to improve the profitability of the boda boda sector, which employs over 1.5 million young people in Kenya and contributes approximately Kshs. 202 billion to the economy annually.
“Now is the time to take solid steps that enhance sustainable practices, and as a business, we are committed to being part of the collective efforts to reduce the carbon footprint,” said Frans Hiemstra, Director and Regional General Manager, Uber, Middle East and Africa.
“Through the launch of Electric Boda on our platform, we are proud to provide an option for emissions-free mobility in Kenya. This launch also supports our global efforts to become a zero-emissions platform by 2040.”
The launch of Electric Boda comes at a time when the Kenyan government is rolling out the National Electric Mobility Plan, which focuses on creating a more green transportation system and rolling out diverse initiatives for sustainable road traffic management.
“We are doing our part to aid the transition to eco-friendly mobility products and to support national sustainability objectives,” said Imran Manji, Head of East Africa for Uber. “The launch of Electric Boda will provide Kenyans with one of the most affordable ways to move from one place to another, with prices 15-20% below the price of our existing product.”
Uber Electric Boda will initially be available in Nairobi, with plans to expand to other cities in the coming months. Safety remains central to Uber and continues to be reflected in new products launched.
Riders taking a trip on Electric Boda can still expect the same safety standards to apply, including RideCheck, which detects unusually long stops along a trip route and confirms with the driver and rider if all is well, access to 24-7 emergency response services, and audio recording among others.
The launch of Electric Boda is a significant step forward for Uber in its commitment to sustainable mobility. It is also a welcome development for the boda boda sector in Kenya, which is a significant source of employment and economic activity. With its affordable prices and zero emissions, Electric Boda has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of Kenyans and the environment.
Side Note: Uber’s creativity and excitement for the launch was evident through the set-up and presentation. I’ll be honest and say, that I was fascinated. Please do check out my social handles for how it went down.
Kudos to Uber.
