Uber has introduced a major update to its ride experience in Kenya, aiming to make rides faster, more efficient and more comfortable for users.
In a message to their riders on Thursday, the company announced that drivers will now have access to trip details, including the destination and fare, before accepting a request.
This change, Uber said, will eliminate the common back-and-forth calls that often follow a booking.
“Ever requested a ride only for your phone to ring moments later with the questions, ‘Unaenda wapi?’ or ‘Imeleta ngapi?" the message read in part.
“We heard you and those days are officially over.”
The new feature marks a transformative update to the ride experience in Kenya.
According to Uber, the system ensures that drivers have all the information they need upfront, allowing them to make quicker decisions and provide faster pickups.
Drivers will now be able to accept trips without having to call riders for confirmation or clarification, a move the company said will save time and reduce cancellations.
“Drivers can now see the destination and the trip fare upfront, before they accept your request,” the company said.
The update is also designed to create what Uber calls true peace of mind for riders.
“The moment you request, you can relax,” Uber explained.
“No more unnecessary conversations or trip cancellations after a call. Your quiet time is yours again.”
The company said the new system benefits both riders and drivers.
With trip details visible at the start, drivers can plan better while riders enjoy smoother pickups and less waiting time.
Uber believes this will also improve overall efficiency on the platform and reduce the stress of coordinating trips through phone calls.
By rolling out this feature, Uber is addressing one of the most common complaints among Kenyan riders, the frequent calls from drivers asking about destinations and payments before pickup.
The change aims to make the experience simpler and more comfortable, particularly for riders who prefer minimal communication during trips.
The update also reflects Uber’s ongoing efforts to adapt its services to local markets while maintaining its global standards.
As Uber put it in its message, “We’ve given drivers the information they need, right from the start.”
With smoother pickups, fewer interruptions, and discounted rides to try the service, Nairobi riders are being invited to “request, chill, and enjoy the ride.”
To encourage users to enjoy the experience, they also offered a special promotion for Nairobi riders.
Customers can enjoy 50 per cent off their next two trips by using the promo code CHILLNRIDE before October 31, 2025.
The offer is, however, limited to the first 2,000 users, with a maximum discount of Sh300 per ride.
“Just request your ride, watch your driver arrive, and enjoy the journey,” the company stated.
