In accordance with the measures announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 25 March 2020 to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Uber has temporarily stopped its services in Nairobi and Mombasa between 6:00 pm and 5:00 am, until further notice.
In addition, the Uber app will only be available during the National Government’s restricted operating hours.
In a statement issued to the media, Uber spokesperson said, “The health and safety of our community comes first, and we will do our best to support drivers during these unprecedented times.”
During the curfew hours, traveling is restricted for obtaining an essential good or service or for rendering an essential service or for any other permitted purpose listed by the Government authorities as essential services during this period.
UberX and UberChapchap will carry a maximum of two passengers, while UberBoda will carry only one passage.
Uber riders are also required to undertake the following precaution before using the services.
- Wash their hands before and after the ride.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, or do so into the elbow or a tissue.
- Open the window if possible to allow ventilation.
- Sit at the back seat to allow distance between the rider and the driver.
In order to support physical distancing with safety precautions, here is what Uber has done.
- Introduced safety recommendations within the app to help raise awareness about suggested travel restrictions and social distancing with “travel only if necessary” in app messaging.
- Provided safety information to drivers and riders in line with public health authorities’ guidance. This includes messages in-app, email and on social media channels.
- Prepared a team available 24/7 to support public health authorities in their response to the pandemic. Working with them, we may temporarily suspend the accounts of customers and drivers confirmed to have contracted or been exposed to COVID‑19.
- Distributed hand sanitizers to drivers. Those who did not receive and who have purchased surface sanitizers will receive a one-time reimbursement to cover the expense.
Uber will also give drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.