In a move to make transportation and food delivery more affordable and accessible, Uber has partnered with Safaricom to remove data costs for users of its Uber and Uber Eats apps across Kenya. This partnership eliminates one of the biggest barriers to accessing the ride-hailing platform – mobile data costs – by zero-rating the apps, meaning users won’t need to spend their own data to access Uber’s services. Safaricom, the leading telecommunications provider in Kenya, is supporting this initiative by zero-rating the Uber and Uber Eats apps, while Uber covers the associated data expenses.
Why This Partnership Matters
Access to affordable data is a significant challenge in Kenya, with the high cost of internet locking many out of broadband access. According to a GSMA report, 57% of the population was excluded from broadband access in 2022 due to these costs, and although this figure improved slightly to 52% in 2023, the digital divide remains wide.
Uber’s recent survey highlights that one of the primary obstacles for its Kenyan users is limited access to affordable mobile data, a factor that this partnership directly addresses.
Safaricom’s zero-rating of the Uber and Uber Eats apps is expected to ease access to Uber’s nine diverse mobility products, which include popular services like Uber Electric Boda, Uber Boda, Uber Reserve, and Uber Comfort.
This collaboration not only improves the usability of Uber’s platforms but also reinforces both companies’ commitment to making essential services more accessible to everyday Kenyans, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas where internet accessibility can be limited.
Benefits for Drivers, Riders, and Delivery Partners
For Uber drivers and delivery partners, who frequently use the app while on the road, this partnership offers substantial savings, as they no longer need to use their own mobile data while working. Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, expressed that this move shows Uber’s commitment to understanding local market needs. “As a global company that operates locally, it is important to us to understand local nuances of the market we live and operate in.
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,” Manji stated.
From Safaricom’s perspective, this initiative aligns with their broader mission to support economic growth and inclusion through expanded access to technology. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized that innovative partnerships like this one are crucial to making digital services more affordable. “This partnership is part of our goal to provide our customers with innovative solutions that allow them to access essential services even when they do not have data bundles or airtime,” Ndegwa explained.
Expanding Access to Uber’s Mobility Solutions
Since launching in Kenya nearly a decade ago, Uber has continuously tailored its services to suit the Kenyan market, introducing new offerings that meet the country’s unique mobility needs. In addition to the standard UberX service, options like Uber Electric Boda and Uber Comfort cater to different customer preferences and price points, aiming to become part of the daily transportation ecosystem for Kenyans.
With this partnership, Uber aims to make these services more accessible to young people who often face data challenges. By providing data-free access, Uber and Safaricom are removing financial barriers that previously limited some users from accessing reliable transportation and delivery services.
How to Access Free Data on Uber and Uber Eats
For users interested in taking advantage of the free data, a few simple steps are necessary. First, users must disable any VPN blockers that might interfere with the zero-rated access. Additionally, toggling Airplane Mode on and off can help refresh the device’s connection to Safaricom’s network, ensuring seamless access to the Uber or Uber Eats apps without consuming personal data.
While the zero-rating feature provides a smoother user experience, some concerns have arisen regarding privacy and security. Recent reports allege that Safaricom has shared customer data with law enforcement agencies upon request, sparking concerns about data security and user privacy. Safaricom has clarified that it only shares customer data when legally obligated by a court order, aiming to reassure users about the safety of their information.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Kenya’s National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032 recognizes that expanding access to ICT is crucial for economic growth, particularly for rural and peri-urban communities where internet connectivity remains limited. By zero-rating the Uber and Uber Eats apps, this partnership seeks to contribute to this vision by promoting affordable digital access, thus enabling more Kenyans to participate in the digital economy.
The provision of free data addresses a core issue – data affordability – that has hindered widespread access to ride-hailing and delivery services in Kenya. Safaricom’s zero-rating of the apps directly tackles this challenge, opening new opportunities for Kenyans who rely on Uber for transportation and deliveries, whether as a driver, rider, delivery partner, or customer.
Conclusion: A Win-Win Partnership for Kenya’s Mobility Sector
Uber’s partnership with Safaricom stands as a powerful example of how businesses can collaborate to address local challenges through digital innovation. By removing data costs for Uber and Uber Eats users, this initiative makes it easier for drivers, riders, and delivery partners to access and benefit from the platform. The partnership is not only an advantage for users but also an essential step in bridging Kenya’s digital divide, especially in areas with limited internet access.
This initiative is a model for how partnerships in Kenya’s tech and mobile sectors can drive economic and digital inclusion. As Kenya moves forward with its National Digital Masterplan, similar collaborations could play a key role in fostering an inclusive digital economy that serves everyone, regardless of income or geographical location.
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