A digital taxi hailing app has introduced enhanced security features to safeguard drivers and passengers using the service.
YEGO mobility Kenya, a new player in the digital transportation space, has incorporated the features in response to increasing concerns about attacks on digital taxi drivers and riders across the country.
While launching the service in Kisumu, YEGO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karanvir Singh said the security measures include real-time back-end trip tracking, an SOS alert button for emergencies and driver background checks to guarantee safety for both the driver and passengers during a trip.
The back-end tracking which supports both the drivers and passengers, he added, comes with a 24hrs customer service for swift response in the event of an emergency.
Karanvir said the real time tracking feature also allows users to automatically share their location and trip details with up to five family members and friends further enhancing their safety.
“With the back end tracking we are able to monitor for any abnormalities on the trip. If for example the route changes suddenly or there is a long stoppage we automatically call the passenger and also speak to the driver. In case of a security issue we are then able to send a security team to attend to the situation,” he said.
The new feature, he added, was a reprieve to digital taxi drivers, many of whom have been victims of rising violence and harassment with the recent killing of a Mombasa based driver Victoria Muloki spreading fear across the industry.
With the app now live in Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu, Karanvir said YEGO was positioning itself as a leader in safety in the competitive taxi-hailing space setting standards for other players in the industry to follow.
Besides the security measures, the CEO said the drivers stand to reap more benefits through YEGO which will pay 82% per trip making it the best paying in the region.
“We remain cognizant of the fact that the cost of living has gone up. This rate was agreed upon by the drivers after also factoring in the customers’ ability to pay,” he said.
So far YEGO, he said, has enlisted over 25,000 drivers with plans to expand the network to other major towns in the country.
Speaking during the same occasion, Kenya Digital Taxi Drivers Association Kisumu County Chairman Imran Omoth lauded the innovation saying it will go a long way in securing drivers who continue to face security threats in the line of duty.
Cases of digital taxi drivers being attacked in Kisumu, he added, were on the rise with five drivers attacked and injured over the last three months.
He attributed the increase to drivers opting for offline trips, making it difficult to trace or rescue them especially at night when attacked by criminals who pose as passengers.
Most of the available digital taxi hailing apps are overcharging us. As a result, most drivers opt for offline trips and in the process end up being attacked by people who pose as passengers,” he said.
With YEGO offering up to 82% per trip, he said most of the listed drivers will now be able to take all trips online and in the process benefit from the inbuilt security features to protect them while on duty.
KDTA Secretary General Paul Omolo said by incorporating the views of drivers with a clear intent to offer solutions to problems affecting the sector, YEGO was on course to facilitating sustainable growth in the sector.
Through the app, he added drivers were able to withdraw money for corporate trips as they wait for the clients to pay.
“Some of the clients, especially corporates, take time to pay but the drivers have no reason to worry since they are able to access their 82% on the app even when the payment has not been done,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
