Nairobi — Uber is considering expanding into two more East African countries before the end of 2018, focusing on low-cost services such as Chap Chap in Kenya, the global ride-hailing company said on Friday. In Kenya, East Africa’s richest economy per capita, Uber competes with Estonian ride-hailing firm Taxify, Nairobi-based Mondo Ride and Little, which has a partnership with telecoms operator Safaricom. Nairobi was the first city in Africa in which Uber piloted low-cost, quick-trip option Chap Chap, using 300 small brand-new Suzuki Altos as a less expensive alternative to regular cars on the Uber app. There are now more than 400 Chap Chaps, which means "faster" in Kiswahili, on the roads in the capital of Kenya, Uber’s second-largest market in sub-Saharan Africa. "We are focusing hard on Chap Chaps," Uber’s East Africa GM Loic Amado said in an interview, calling the service "a tremendous success so far". Low-cost services The lower price is possible because the Alto is more fuel-ef...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.