Uber has made significant strides in Kenya’s economic landscape, contributing an estimated 14.1 billion Kenyan shillings to the country’s economy in 2023.
The company’s recent economic impact report reveals how its mobility and delivery services are transforming opportunities for drivers, businesses, and consumers.
Benefits for Drivers and Delivery Partners
Uber’s platform offers flexible earning opportunities, attracting 57% of drivers and delivery people due to its independence and adaptability.
A respondent from Nairobi stated, “I want to be my own boss and grow my future so that my family can have a better life.”
Key findings:
- 87% of drivers and delivery partners used their Uber earnings to pay bills, with one driver from Kiambu remarking, “I earned enough money to take my son to high school through only the Uber app.”
- Rising living costs motivated 65% of drivers and delivery partners to join the platform.
- Uber provided an essential income source for many, as 48% of Kenyan adults reported financial pressures compared to the previous year.
Boosting Local Businesses and Tourism
Uber’s technology bolstered local businesses and tourism:
- Restaurants using Uber Eats generated KES 534 million in additional value by leveraging delivery services.
- The app added KES 167 million in value to Kenya’s nighttime economy, enabling customers to access bars, clubs, and restaurants late at night.
- Tourism benefited with KES 2.7 billion in added value, supporting millions of journeys to key destinations.
According to Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya, “Through the Uber Eats platform, we have brought value to restaurants, retailers, and merchants by expanding their reach to a wider customer base. Access to insights such as customer preferences and peak ordering times enables merchants to optimize their offerings.”
Also Read: Uber Year in Review: A look back at Kenyans’ mobility and delivery trends
Improving Consumer Experiences
Uber’s convenience, speed, and safety have made it a go-to option for Kenyan users:
- 67% of Uber Eats users prioritized convenience, followed by quick delivery times (64%) and good service (56%).
- Over 36% of Kenyan adults used Uber Eats for food or essential item deliveries.
- 80% of Uber riders used the app for work-related travel, while 64% and 53% used it to attend parties or festivals and access airports, respectively.
- Safety emerged as a crucial factor, with 96% of female riders emphasizing its importance. One respondent noted, “It’s much safer using Uber because I can conveniently share my location with my family.”
A Net Positive Impact
Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, summarized, “The data from the report shows that Uber has a net positive contribution to the Kenyan economy. Our commitment remains to help Kenyans go anywhere and get anything while creating positive experiences that enable drivers and delivery people to earn sustainably.”
