It’s been a year since Uber launched its first electric mobility product in Africa, and the Electric Boda in Nairobi. This has shown significant growth and as an initiative to achieve zero emissions by 2040.
Electric Boda has seen an 81% increase in active driver sign-ups, due to savings on total ownership costs, especially fuel. that led to a 94% increase in trips since its launch in August 2023. Now available in Nairobi CBD, it overcomes typical two-wheeler challenges for passenger services and deliveries.
Safety is paramount for Uber. Passengers will get helmets from Greenwheels Africa while drivers face alcohol-blow tests at shift start and end.
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa for Uber, highlighted the success and innovation in Kenya, noting that Electric Boda offers drivers a chance to increase earnings and supports the country’s sustainability goals. Driver Joseph mentioned that he can now better manage his finances, using his savings for his child’s education.
The launch coincides with Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy, aimed at greener transportation. The boda boda sector, crucial to Kenya’s economy, employs over 1.5 million people and contributes around Kshs. 202 billion annually.
Nabil Anjarwalla, CEO of Greenwheels, celebrated the milestone, stating that over 700,000 passengers have been carried and more than 12 million kilometers traveled on electric motorcycles in the first year. He emphasized their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, providing stable employment, and improving urban mobility in Nairobi.
