Uber has emerged as an unexpected hero for Kenya’s tourism industry, injecting Ksh 2.7 billion into the sector last year. The company’s first-ever Kenya Economic Impact Report, conducted by Public First, unveils how a simple ride-hailing app has transformed travel experiences across the country.
Beyond just moving people from point A to point B, Uber has become a lifeline for tourists and local travelers alike. The platform’s impact goes far beyond mere transportation by creating economic opportunities, ensuring safety, and changing how Kenyans and visitors explore the country.
Safety has been the biggest contributing factor in Uber’s success story. According to the report, 96% of female riders cited safety as their primary reason for choosing the service, with 70% considering it the safest way to get home. For most residents within Nairobi, the app’s location-sharing feature provides peace of mind, allowing them to conveniently share their whereabouts with their friends and family.
Though the financial figures attract the most attention, Uber has also enabled millions of tourist journeys, making exploration more accessible and convenient. Whether it’s getting to the airport (53% of riders use Uber for this purpose) or heading to new destinations, the platform has become an integral part of travel in Kenya.
Beyond tourism, the popular app has become an economic powerhouse, contributing an estimated Ksh 14.1 billion to Kenya’s economy in 2023. Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, spoke passionately about the platform’s mission, stating, “Our commitment is to help Kenyans go anywhere and get anything while enabling drivers and delivery people to earn sustainably.”
This isn’t just corporate rhetoric; the numbers back it up. 57% of drivers choose Uber for its independent and flexible work model, with 87% using their earnings to cover essential bills.
The nighttime economy hasn’t been left behind either. Uber has contributed Ksh 167 million by providing safe and convenient access to bars, clubs, and restaurants during late hours. For a generation seeking safety – especially with the rise in femicide cases across the country – Uber has played a huge role in providing safe nighttime transportation.
Uber has seen its fair share of victories in Kenya, but this year hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. In June, drivers using the platform, alongside those from rival services like Bolt, Little Cab, and Faras, staged a nationwide strike protesting poor compensation. While the protests resulted in a win for the drivers, the celebration came with a price for riders, as Uber responded by hiking rates by 10%, leaving users to bear the brunt of this victory.
