Uber, a ride-hailing firm, and Safaricom have launched a partnership to allow riders in Kenya to pay for trips using M-PESA.
This follows a previous collaboration with UberEats, the food delivery unit of Uber, that enabled consumers to pay for deliveries and delivery people to receive their earnings through M-PESA.
We have partnered with @uber_kenya to launch a partnership that will see riders across Kenya pay for trips through M-PESA. This follows a collaboration with UberEats that allowed consumers to pay for deliveries through M-PESA and delivery people to also receive their earnings… pic.twitter.com/AWhCCsHDQX
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) August 2, 2023
The partnership will benefit drivers who lack bank accounts, as about 20% of drivers on the Uber platform do not have bank accounts.
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa at Uber, said the partnership brings the ease and convenience of mobile money to riders on the platform.
“Through the integration of M-PESA for trip payments, we are excited to bring the ease and convenience of mobile money to riders on our platform,” said Imran.
“We are pleased to have found a partner in Safaricom to take this significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion in the country.”
Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, also commented on the partnership, stating that it will enable faster, secure, affordable, and convenient payments through M-PESA.
How to add M-Pesa as a Payment Method:
1. Open your Uber app
2. Tap on the Wallet section in your app and select ‘Add Payment Method
3. Add M-Pesa as your payment method
4. Request a ride as per usual
