Egypt’s SWVL is starting this year on a good note. In Kenya, SWVL just marked its venture outside Nairobi, in what would be the longest distance ever embarked upon by the startup.
“Long distance travel is a viable business segment for us and you will see a lot more investment into it as we get into this year,” SWVL general manager, Kenya Shivachi Muleji said.
Here Is All You Need To Know
- Eldoret becomes SWVL’s latest town in Kenya after the ride-sharing startup launched its commuter services to Naivasha, Meru and Nakuru routes days to the Christmas holidays.
- Also added to the multiple routes from Nairobi’s central business district, are the Ruai, Kiserian and Ngong routes. These new routes would add to the startup’s previous 55 connections.
- SWVL reduced its operations over the Christmas holidays citing low demand, resuming full operations on Monday.
- The fare from Nairobi to Eldoret is Sh1,200 ($11.9) while travelling to Nakuru or Naivasha from the capital city costs Sh1,000($10) on each of the routes.
“When you think about the level of travel between Nairobi and Nakuru, for example, on a daily basis, you start to see why we would invest in it. Our core market will always remain the Nairobi commuter, but we will seek growth in new business areas.” Shivachi Muleji said.
Back From Suspension
In October 2019, Digital public transport services SWVL and Little Shuttle were asked to cease operations or face arrests for operating under Tour Service License but engaging in commuter services.
SWVL has since resumed service after this period of disruption that followed the firm’s move to have the buses comply with the National Transport and Safety Authority rules
The company was required to have the buses using its platform registered and adhere to matatu regulations. These include having a public service vehicle licence, a yellow line on the buses and displaying route name and number. Its users book trips on phone and are notified of the nearest pick-up point, price and timing.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com