Taxi-hailing app company, Uber has rolled out fast food delivery services in Kisumu city.
Christened Uber Eats, the service will enable customers in Kisumu and its environs to enjoy their favourite breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack from the restaurants delivered to their doorstep after placing an order.
Nakampe Molewa, the General Manager of Uber Eats for Sub-Saharan Africa reiterated that the move comes with the realisation of an awesome opportunity for the young vibrant market which is growing in the country.
“We see the potential to have a stunning business in Kisumu and shall bring our unique offering of on-demand commerce, selection and affordable offering to the residents across the country,’’ said Molewa during Wednesday’s launching ceremony at a Kisumu Hotel.
He stressed that they are seeking to enhance the overall service delivery experience and contribute to the growth of economic opportunities which will be created for the locals.
The other important parties in this cycle, he revealed, are the merchants and the Western partners themselves.
“The company is expressing its joy in expanding into new cities and satellite towns. We shall be keen on the Locals’ Favourite that the residents consume and that’s what we are trying to discover and our merchants’ ability to provide them,’’ he assured.
Farida Salim, County Executive Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, Industry and Marketing expressed her delight with the entry of Uber Eats to Kisumu County.
“We highly anticipate significant value being created for restaurants and small businesses. This is a great example of a collaboration between the private and public sector, which will yield benefits for individuals, businesses, and the local community,’’ Salim observed.
Kui Mbugua the General Manager of Uber Eats-Kenya, said that the app will connect consumers to merchants and facilitate anything at the touch of a button.
“This means food, groceries, retail, pharmacy and liquor items all at the touch of a button. We have already rolled out the services in Nairobi. Over the past six years we have expanded across the country,’’ Mbugua explained.
She revealed that the services were first rolled out in Mombasa, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Eldoret.
Uber Eats will focus its business selection on where the merchants and stores are located which are largely found in the Central Business Districts (CBD) and hub of Kisumu.
“Overtime we will move to get to the smaller towns but we have to ensure that the economic conditions work. That’s a combination of the consumer having the digital capacity, and the merchants having the selections with stores being available,’’ Mbugua clarified.
She added that another key player will be the availability of the boda boda guys (service delivery men) who will be able to transport to and from the stores. They are looking forward to growing the rider base alongside the consumers and the partners.
In addition, they have started with the smaller areas in the CBD and new hubs in the neighbourhood and are looking to expand their area of scope.
“It’s our joy to partner with the merchants for the fruitful deliveries across the country,’’ Mbugua noted.
By Rolex Omondi
