Competition in the local digital taxi hailing business has intensified with firms scrambling to expand to different towns and unveiling new features.
The latest move has seen Bolt and Uber increase market reach this week with expansion of services in Mombasa and Kisumu respectively.
Last month a new subscription-based taxi-hailing app dubbed SHOWFA also launched in Kenya further heightening competition.
A spot-check across the sector shows that the competition has now boiled down to additional features like convenience and discounts to customers.
Bolt has rolled out a driver selfie check feature on its platform to enhance safety and also prevent driver impersonation and account sharing.
The feature entails requesting drivers to take selfies when they come online in order to verify their identity and ensure that the details provided in the app corresponds with the shared photos.
Should the selfie not match previously shared driver details, the driver will be restricted from offering their services on the platform until their details are verified.
This feature according to the company will help to maintain the overall safety of users on the platform.
“Our mission revolves around offering affordable, quality and safe services and through this new driver selfie check feature, we aim to offer a safe rider mobility experience to all users on our platform,” said Bolt Country Manager Linda Ndungu.
He said the new feature will discourage driver impersonation and continue to strengthen our mobility service by enhancing the safety of riders.
SHOWFA in their market penetration plan announced an added feature of ambulance services on its digital app making which is revolutionary.
Uber on the other hand on Tuesday announced the launch of its low cost mobility option, Uber ChapChap in Kisumu.
To attract more customers, the firm says customers will get to ride with minimum fares starting from Sh150.
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa Uber said the launch of Uber ChapChap in Kisumu provides a more economical and greener way to travel around the city.
“Safety is of the utmost priority for Uber and with Uber’s technology, it makes it possible to focus on safety for drivers and riders before, during, and after every trip,” said Manji.
Michael Wanga, Kisumu City Manager said the region is transforming and is going through a significant transition, which involves mobility and transportation systems to cater for growth of the city.
