YEGO Mobility Kenya has launched it’s digital taxi services in Kisumu with key focus on safety of drivers and riders taking centre stage.
With over 25,000 taxis and drivers in the platform, the entity is banking on its Enhanced-Ride-Security feature to ensure safety of both the passengers and drivers during the journey.
‘The in-app Security Operations Systems (SOS) security feature allows the passenger to click and choose five of their contacts who will be monitoring live the travel movements’-Karanvir Singh, the CEO and Founder
According to Karanvir Singh, the CEO and Founder, to achieve maximum safety and security standards, the drivers are undertaken through a rigorous vetting process and given safe driving security tips.
“The in-app Security Operations Systems (SOS) security feature allows the passenger to click and choose five of their contacts who will be monitoring live the travel movements,” Singh said during the launch of the app in Kisumu.
He added that their support system are also monitoring to detect routes changes and long-stoppage time in a particular area.
“When we see this, we call both the passenger and driver and subsequently raise an automatic alert,” Singh emphasized.
In case of an accident or security incident, he assured that they will send an ambulance or security intervention team to resolve the situation.
He said that after a thorough research and stakeholder engagements, Yego’s mobility fares have been designed to reflect the real costs of operation as it prioritizes a fair deal for both passengers and drivers.
“We sit down with the taxi drivers to deciding with them the charges and surcharges. We evaluate all the transport cost while keeping in mind the clients ability to pay,” Singh explained.
More benefits for drivers
Tunai Omok, Kenya Digital Taxi Association (KTDA) Kisumu County Chairman welcomed the new player in the market, noting that their drivers will be entitled to 80 percent of the total fare earnings.
“Their rates are favourable compared to other competitors who are overcharging us. The inclusion of the security features in their app is a welcome idea,” he said.
Tunai lauded the innovative approach as it will help their 400 drivers in the region to maintain their online pickups-and-drop offs.
YEGO boasts of a firm footprints in Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kilifi.
Singh further reiterated that the company is keenly focused on empowering local communities as it seeks to expand to all towns across the country.
“Our DNA is to always be transparent, ethical, fair and accountable. We believe in first impacting and profits comes second,” he said.
The company also has a 24-hour customer support and is committed to assisting qualified drivers in obtaining Personal Accidents Insurance Covers.
Other driver-centric benefits will include Free Parking spaces at the Kisumu Airport, respectful engagements and supportive environment which will also include the passengers.
On his part, Paul Omolo, Kisumu Chapter KDTA Secretary General noted that the innovative strategies employed by the company will work towards promoting its accessibility among drivers and clients.
“As a step in the right direction, in YEGO’s platform you don’t have to wait for one week to withdraw and they only charge mobile money transaction fees. This reduces the cancellation rates,” Omolo said.
