Ride-hailing app Uber has partnered with Safaricom to allow customers to request rides even when their data bundles have depleted.

The new partnership announced on Wednesday, October 30, will see Uber pay for all data bundles used by its customers when requesting rides as well as those used by drivers.

Speaking during the official launch of the partnership, Uber Head of East Africa Imran Manji said the new partnership is a boost to Uber drivers who have been spending a lot of money on data bundles to connect with passengers.

To enjoy this new offer, Uber customers and drivers will be required to leave their mobile data active, on the Safaricom network, to allow the telecommunication giant to connect them effectively.

“Drivers using the Uber app don’t need to buy any data bundles. All they need to do is leave their mobile data on. The data cost consumed will be paid by Uber,” said Manji.

Requirements to join Uber as a driver without owning a vehicle

The new offer will benefit customers in all the cities where Uber operates in Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kisumu.

Additionally, it is set to make Uber attractive to customers amid surging competition from other digital taxis including Bolt, Little, and Faras, among others.

Uber, a technology company connecting riders with drivers, through a smartphone app launched in Kenya in 2015 and has over the years become popular for its top-notch security features that guarantee the safety of the passengers.

In Nairobi, the cab offers various products including Boda, Electric Boda, Chap Chap, Comfort, and Uber XL, allowing customers to take a ride that meets their budget and needs.

Chap Chap Share which targets mostly commuters enables one to share a ride with someone else plying the same route and headed to the same destination.

On the other hand, Uber XL targets a large number of passengers of up to 6 people who want to travel together, whether going for airport trips or business trips.