Why Kenyan Uber drivers will be required to take selfies

david nganga

June 29, 2017 5:45 PM

Don't be worried the next time you see your Uber driver taking a selfie in the car

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Riding-hailing app, Uber, has today announced a feature that will add a new layer of safety that is targeted to drivers.

The feature, dubbed Real-Time ID Check, is a safety feature that will require drivers to take a selfie from time to time before going online so as to ensure that the driver using the app matches the account the company has on file.

This, according to Uber, is designed to protect drivers from fraud, theft and risks since only the registered driver-partner can use the app.

It will as well protect riders by building another layer of accountability into the app to ensure the right person is behind the wheel.

ALSO READ: Government asks Uber to offer Kenyan drivers better remunerations in a bid to end impasse

The process will work in such a way that drivers will be asked to periodically take a selfie before accepting a ride, which is then compared to the one on file and if the two photos don’t match, the account is temporarily blocked for investigation.

The feature was first tested in the USA before rolling out to several countries worldwide. Kenya follows in the footsteps of South Africa and Egypt which are the latest African countries to have the update.

Uber is among Kenya’s popular taxi-hailing firms even though it has faced stiff competition from the likes of Taxify and Little Cab who offer low-cost rides compared to the American-owned taxi company.

david nganga