Uber food service targets Nairobi's upmarket suburbs

Uber has today launched its food delivery service for select parts of the capital.

Dubbed Uber Eats, it will allow users in Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands and its environs to order food from over 100 restaurants and have it delivered to their doorstep.

“As a customer, you will have the Uber Eats app where you can make your food choices and choose where to have it delivered within a few presses of a few buttons,” said Uber Eats Kenya general manager Amal Devani on Tuesday.

Uber Eats will exclusively use motorbike couriers and charge a flat fee of Sh150 for each delivery that can be paid via cash, M-Pesa or card.

Customers can pay via M-Pesa directly within the Uber Eats application by requesting a push notification from the rider and entering their PIN to approve the payment.

The US-based tech firm said it is looking into offering the same option for its taxi-hailing service.

As with drivers for Uber rides, bike couriers interested in delivering the food can register via the Uber Eats application by uploading a photo of themselves, their driving license and their insurance.

After submitting a certificate of good conduct and a vehicle log book or a stamped letter from the bike owner, riders will undergo training and be ready to go in 24 hours.

Currently, riders are paid weekly.

Kenya will be the third African country where Uber Eats is available after Egypt and South Africa.

The application is available in over 30 countries worldwide.