As 2024 kicks off, Uber is taking a look at the past year, identifying the things that consumers in Kenya, and across the world have come to love. This deep dive into everything from the most popular destinations to the most sought-after cuisines forms Uber’s 2023 Year in Review.
Mobility trends
Whether near or far, travel with Uber remains a popular choice as customers hop in, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Some individuals traveled to great lengths to reach their destinations, with the longest trip in Kenya last year covering a huge distance of 549 km for a 4w vehicle and 520 km for a 2w vehicle. The highest amount earned by a driver from a trip was KES 15,600.
2023 proved to be the year for Kenyan jet-setters and overseas travel held an even bigger place in our hearts with August seeing a 71.3% increase in airport trips, as riders jetted off to destinations near and far.
The demand for business trips on Uber for Business saw a 10.96% year-on-year increase, with 9 am being the most popular time for business trips.
Riders in Kenya proved that timing is everything, as they made the most of Uber’s 24/7 offering, with 5 pm emerging as the most popular time of day for trip requests, while Travel/Transit, Restaurant and Bar, Shopping and Errands, Tourism/Entertainment and Education, were the top five destination categories that people took trips to.
When it comes to ratings, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru proved to be the home to Uber’s top-rated drivers in Kenya, with the capital city boasting an average of 4.94, while Mombasa and Nakuru coming out at 4.9 and 4.8, respectively. Drivers received top ratings from riders for “excellent service”, “great chat”, “clean and tidy vehicle”, “great route choice” and “made my day”.
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa, Uber commented: “Not only is Uber a mobility brand, but it forms the ecosystem for consumers’ daily lives. Regardless of the product that one opts for to go to work, school, or meet with family and friends, consumers can be assured of our commitment to safety across all product categories.”
Delivery trends:
Looking at what Kenyans ate last year, Uber Eats’ data revealed that American and African cuisines were the most popular, with vegetable spring rolls, ugali and steamed rice, being the most requested side dishes. The most ordered meals on Uber Eats in 2023 were KFC’s Streetwise 2 and 3, followed by the Full Java House Breakfast, according to the data.
When it comes to desserts, Kenyans’ top sweet cravings were revealed to be Waffles (D’s Oreo Waffles), Gulab Jamun and Crépes (Sweet Crépes).
Last year, Kenyans looked to end the week on a high, with Friday and Sunday being the most popular days for Uber Eats orders. The most common times for delivery orders were 7pm, 6pm and 1pm.
Beyond food delivery, Uber Eats’ expansion into new categories is a testament to the company’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of consumers. The most popular convenience items in 2023 included: Menengai Cream 1kg, Velvex White Serviettes, and Velvex Kitchen Towels. Kenya’s reputation as a flower-loving nation remained intact with Red Roses, White Roses mixed with gypsophila and Garden Bouquet being the most popular flower orders.
Kui Mbugua, General Manager of Uber Eats Kenya, commented: ”Whether it’s to order a meal for friends and loved ones or access grocery, pharmacy, or retail items, we are pleased to leverage our tech and logistics expertise to become Kenyans’ choice to access the day to day items they need.”
