YEGO stirs Kenya’s ride-hailing market with cover for drivers, lowest commissions
Taxi-hailing company Yego Global has launched operations in Kenya through its subsidiary – Yego Mobility Kenya Limited – seeking to help revolutionize urban mobility in the country with better terms for drivers and fair fares for passengers.
The company said it has carried out feasibility studies over the past two years and targets addressing pain points of the driver community and passengers.
Besides having the lowest commissions in the industry at 12 percent, Yego drivers will be getting personal accident insurance at no cost and medical cover to qualifying ones.
Company says fares will also be adjusted for prevailing fuel prices and traffic situations, and drivers can withdraw their earnings on demand with the actual processing fees.
A drivers’ savings and credit cooperative is in the works and the subsidiary has committed to pay 10 percent of its dividend to the Sacco to secure the drivers’ future.
Yego launches into the highly competitive cab-hailing domain in the country where homegrown startups such as Wasili square up to take on multinational giants such as Uber and Bolt for a slice of the market share.
“It is a very proud moment for Yego Mobility to be the 1st licensed app by NTSA in Kenya. We are providing a customized solution for Kenya, one that has been purpose built to free the driver community from the digital slavery of the Gig economy,” said Karanvir Singh, CEO and Founder of Yego Global.
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Yego Global has been operating in Rwanda since 2016 where it became the first licensee in Rwanda to provide a smart mobility solution using Intelligent Connected Fare Meters (ICFM).
The company’s forays in Rwanda have been recognized globally for driving inclusion, innovation and empowerment of women and youth, by reputable organizations such as Fast Company, Africacom, and AppsAfrica Innovation Awards.
“Our innovative “frugal” approach allows us to design a solution for emerging markets, where Driving a Taxicab or Boda is a fulltime job and not a Gig. Our low-friction approach not only ensures that we are fair to both Drivers and Passengers, but that we are sustainable for decades to come,” explained Singh.
While Apps make it convenient to book a ride, Yego goes a step further by enabling passengers to instantly start a ride by simply scanning a QR code with the unique ‘Pair Ride’, a feature not available with any other ride-hailing companies.
The passengers’ destination and preferred payment option is seamlessly transferred to enable navigation and fare calculation. The in-app wallet allows passengers to simply walk away at the end of the ride without having to pull out cash or even enter a PIN.
YEGO prioritises driver and passenger security, and, in addition to a stringent vetting process has a 24/7 Call Centre that can be contacted instantly.
“Our courteous, multilingual agents are ready to help overcome language barriers, help with landmark-based navigation and resolve any issues that may arise for either Passengers or Drivers,” explained the CEO.
YEGO Kenya wants to bridge the digital divide by helping taxi drivers adopt and understand technology, inculcate the habit of saving, build credit scores – which will help them access finance, upgrade their vehicles, be covered by insurance and so much more.
In over two weeks, over 5,000 drivers have joined YEGO, and the company expects to recruit more drivers in Nairobi.
