UBER CONTRIBUTES KSH 14.1 BILLION TO KENYA ’s ECONOMY IN 2023, REPORT SHOWS.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
Nairobi, Kenya – November 26, 2024 – Uber has significantly boosted Kenya’s economy, contributing an estimated KSh 14.1 billion in 2023, according to the company’s first-ever Economic Impact Report. The report, commissioned by Uber and conducted by Public First, highlights the company’s far-reaching influence across various sectors, including local businesses, tourism, and flexible employment.
(From Left) Kui Kinyanjui, Strathmore Institute of Public Policy; Kui Mbugua, Uber Eats Kenya; Ambassador Phillip Thigo, MBS, Special Envoy for Technology for the Republic of Kenya; Imran Manji, Head of East Africa, Uber; Samuel Kariuki, Microsoft; Asif Khan, Ando Foods; and Christopher Maclay, Mercy Corps during the launch of the Uber Kenya Impact Report.
Uber’s contribution stems from its ride-hailing and food delivery services, which support thousands of local drivers, delivery partners, and businesses. Imran Manji, Head of East Africa at Uber, emphasized the company’s role in driving economic value: “Uber helps create billions of shillings annually in Kenya by providing safe, convenient access to transportation and food, supporting restaurants during tough times, and offering flexible earning opportunities to thousands of Kenyans.”
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa, Uber, during the launch of Uber Kenya Economic Impact Report.
The Uber Eats platform alone created KSh 534 million in additional value for restaurants in Kenya by offering them a scalable delivery infrastructure. This has allowed local businesses to reach a broader customer base, with restaurant owners using customer insights and ordering trends to optimize their operations.
“The flexibility of the Uber Eats platform has allowed restaurants and merchants to thrive, even in challenging economic conditions,” said Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya. “By expanding their reach and offering tailored business strategies, we’ve been able to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.”
Tourism also saw a significant boost, with Uber’s services adding an estimated KSh 2.7 billion to the Kenyan tourism industry, helping facilitate millions of tourist journeys. Additionally, Uber contributed KSh 167 million to the nighttime economy by providing Kenyans with reliable transportation to bars, clubs, and restaurants late at night.
The report also highlights the positive impact on drivers and delivery partners, with 57% of them choosing Uber for its flexibility and the ability to be their own boss. Many drivers and delivery people reported using their earnings to support their families and meet essential needs. A 47-year-old driver from Kiambu 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.”
On the consumer side, safety, convenience, and speed were the main reasons Kenyans choose Uber. A staggering 96% of female riders cited safety as a key reason for using the platform, appreciating the ability to share their location with family for added security.
Uber’s report underscores its growing role as a key player in Kenya’s economy, supporting local businesses, providing flexible income opportunities, and offering essential services to consumers. The company remains committed
