Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa during the unveiling of economic report in Nairobi on Tuesday 26, 2024.
Uber has unveiled its first-ever Kenya Economic Impact Report, revealing the company’s significant contribution to the country’s economy in 2023. The report, commissioned by Uber and conducted by Public First, estimates that Uber’s app generated KSh 14.1 billion in economic value across its mobility and delivery services.
The report highlights how Uber has supported local businesses, drivers, and consumers while contributing to key sectors like tourism, nighttime economy, and delivery services.
Uber’s presence in Kenya has created immense value for businesses, drivers, and consumers. Some of the key contributions include:
Tourism: The Uber app generated an estimated KSh 2.7 billion for Kenya’s tourism sector, facilitating millions of trips for tourists.
Local Businesses: Uber’s technology supported KSh 167 million in value for Kenya’s nighttime economy, enabling access to bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Uber Eats platform added KSh 534 million in value for restaurants by providing them with a scalable delivery infrastructure.
Driver and Delivery Earnings: 57 percent of drivers and delivery partners cited the flexibility and independence of the Uber platform as their primary reason for joining, with 87 percent using their earnings to cover essential bills.
According to Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, the company’s economic impact aligns with Kenya’s priorities for innovation and economic growth. “This report breaks down the billions of shillings in economic value that Uber helps create annually in Kenya. It highlights how we contribute to making transportation, food, and essential items more accessible while empowering drivers and delivery partners,” Manji said.
Uber continues to provide critical earning opportunities for its drivers and delivery partners:
Flexible Work: Many drivers and delivery partners value the freedom to set their schedules. A respondent from Nairobi stated, “I want to be my own boss and grow my future so that my family can have a better life.”
Economic Resilience: Rising costs of goods and services drove 65 percent of partners to join Uber, with some achieving life-changing milestones. A Kiambu-based driver shared, “I earned enough money to take my son to high school through only the Uber app. My son and I have never forgotten that.”
Convenience, safety, and speed were the top reasons why consumers chose the Uber app:
Food Delivery: Over 36 percent of Kenyan adults used Uber Eats in 2023, with 67 percent citing convenience as the primary reason.
Safety: Safety emerged as a critical factor, particularly for women. An overwhelming 96 percent of female riders said safety was their main reason for using Uber. A 22-year-old Nairobi-based user commented, “It’s much safer using Uber because I can conveniently share my location with my family.”
General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya, Kui Mbugua, emphasized how Uber Eats has boosted local businesses. “Access to insights such as customer preferences and peak ordering times enables merchants to optimize their offerings and tailor strategies to meet customer needs,” she said.
The company aims to deepen its impact in Kenya by creating innovative solutions that support local enterprises and provide sustainable earning opportunities for its partners.
The report underscores Uber’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, contributing to Kenya’s ambitions for a more connected and thriving economy.