Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with more information since the original post this morning.
In a press release, Uber announced today that everyone in Nairobi can now pay using cash and mobile money after the successful conclusion of a two month payment pilot.
Alon Lits, Uber Regional General Manager for sub Saharan Africa, said: “We received very positive feedback from our riders during the pilot. We have tripled our growth since then and the drivers using the Uber platform are taking more trips so taking more money home too. We have listened to this too and now we want everyone to enjoy the hassle-free convenience of ordering a safe ride at the push of a button. This is why we have adapted our technology to best meet the needs of the local consumers.”
Riders have access to all the current Uber features but can simply choose the CASH payment option, take a ride and pay their driver directly in cash at the end of the trip. Since the launch of the pay with cash program, new rider sign-ups and referrals increased by five while the number of partner-drivers doubled over the last two months despite the program still being in its test phase, the release read.
Uber wants to keep tweaking the service till its as smooth as possible so all riders are encouraged to try the service and give feedback using the hashtag #UberCashKenya, or by emailing support.nairobi@uber.com.
The Kenyan capital is now the first city in Africa and second in the world with the option to pay for an Uber trip with cash (the first being Hyderabad, India in which launched in May). Following the success of the cash option in Nairobi, cash payments have been rolled out across five other cities in India.
Uber is now available in over 330 cities in 60 countries spanning 6 continents. One day, when Startups 101 is being taught in college, Uber will probably be on the cover of the recommended textbook. Just saying.
Photo Credit: Uber
