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After a long-awaited integration, ride-hailing app Uber has finally introduced M-PESA payments on its platform in Kenya, allowing riders to conveniently settle their cab fares using Safaricom’s mobile money service. This development comes shortly after the same feature was introduced on the Uber Eats platform. The arrival of M-PESA payments addresses years of customer frustration and brings added convenience to the payment process.
Previously, riders had to directly send the cab fare to the driver’s M-PESA number, bypassing Uber and leaving the responsibility of remitting their commission to the driver. With the new integration, the payment process becomes seamless and involves Uber, improving overall transparency.
Kui Mbugua, General Manager of UberEats, Kenya, stated, “We entered into this partnership with Safaricom to enhance the experience for delivery people and eaters on our platform through ease of access to earnings and providing a convenient mode of payment for deliveries, respectively.”
The M-PESA integration not only facilitates trip payments but also offers an additional benefit to drivers. They can now receive their disbursements using M-PESA, which was previously limited to bank accounts. This means that drivers without bank accounts can now choose the M-PESA option for disbursements, while those with bank accounts can still opt for M-PESA to avoid one-step transaction charges when transferring funds from the bank to mobile money wallets.
Imran Manji, Head of Uber, East Africa, expressed his excitement about the partnership with Safaricom, stating, “Through integrating M-PESA for trip payments, we are excited to bring the ease and convenience of mobile money to riders on our platform. We are pleased to have found a partner in Safaricom to take this significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion in the country.”
Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, also emphasized the significance of the feature, highlighting that the partnership with Uber will enable thousands of drivers and delivery people, along with millions of customers, to benefit from faster, secure, affordable, and convenient payments through M-PESA, thus promoting financial inclusion.
During a media meeting at the Safaricom headquarters, Uber’s Imran Manji announced another critical feature for the Kenyan market – audio recording. This safety addition, already available in Nigeria and South Africa, enables drivers and riders to record audio during their trips. The recording is done anonymously, stored locally on the device, and encrypted. While neither the driver nor the rider can listen to the recordings, this feature enhances safety by making both parties aware of the recording. If a safety issue arises, the recording can be uploaded to Uber for investigation. The audio recording automatically self-destructs after seven days if no safety issue is reported, ensuring privacy and security.
With the introduction of M-PESA payments and the enhanced safety feature, Uber aims to further enhance the convenience, security, and overall experience for riders in Kenya.
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