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Uber now set to bring food to your doorstep

food

UberEats will be under an independent application, available on iOS and Android phones. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Uber has started piloting its food delivery service in Nairobi in readiness for its official launch in the coming weeks.

The service dubbed UberEats will be under an independent application, available on iOS and Android phones. The e-hailing firm is testing the service using select Uber customers who currently have access to the food delivery application.

“After three years of making safe and affordable rides available at the touch of a button, Uber continues to invest in Kenya. We do so by offering more choice to our customers. We’re currently piloting UberEats in Nairobi, and look forward to make the new app available to Nairobians soon,” said East Africa Uber Spokesperson, Janet Kemboi.

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Launched two years ago, UberEats seeks to capitalise on demand for convenience from users. Uber is also set to capitalise on a fast-expanding online food order and delivery market presently dominated by local courier firms. Uber is set to reveal its partner restaurants during the official launch.

UberEats operates in over 200 cities around the globe and partners with more than 80,000 restaurants, presently. The app relies on machine learning and artificial intelligence to make suggestions based on popular options near a customer and past orders. The app also has a filter that makes it possible for customers to make orders according to their budget and taste. The app also allows for customers to schedule an order ahead of time.

“Matching you with the perfect meal is a complex endeavour. With the launch of the UberEats app, we are providing an experience completely tailored to food to help you get that perfect meal. In the same way Uber makes it easy to get from point A to B,” said Head of Uber Everything, Jason Droege during the official launch of the service.

“UberEats makes it easy to get food from the best restaurants in your city. Because an Uber driver-partner is never more than a few minutes away, as soon as the food’s ready it’s on its way.”

UberEats joins other players that include Jumia Food (previously HelloFood), Yum Kenya, the Good Food Company and Mama Meals on Wheels.

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