FAQs for drivers during national curfew in Kenya

“The coming weeks will be challenging for all of us and we know this is particularly tough on drivers like you. But we want you to know this is not permanent and we are committed to working with government agencies and other stakeholders on your behalf to ensure you are supported during this difficult time. We are in this together. ” – Alon Lits, Director, and General Manager. Uber Sub-Saharan Africa

Q. When can I operate?
You will be able to accept rider requests from 5am to 6pm daily during the curfew period. The app will be unavailable outside the allocated hours.

Q: How many passengers can I transport?
UberX, UberChapchap, and UberAssist  – Maximum of 2 passengers
UberBoda – Maximum of  1 passenger

Q. When do I need to sanitize my car?
It is required that you sanitize your vehicle after each and every trip with a surface sanitizer. 

Q. Do you have health tips?
Do not drive if you’re feeling sick.

If you’re driving:
Cover your mouth and nose. If you sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow or a tissue. 
Riders must sit in the back to give you more space.
Open the window.
Please sanitize your hands as often as you can and also ensure you sanitize your vehicle after each trip with a surface sanitizer.  

Q: What else is Uber doing to support drivers?
We are working with preferred vehicle partners to ask that they support drivers in need by reducing the overall cost of their vehicles. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your vehicle owner or fleet partner for more information.

Q: I haven’t received any rider requests?
Please note due to the national curfew people have limited their movement during this period. The app is also only available from 5am to 6pm daily, therefore the number of trips per day will be less than usual. 

Q: What happens if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?
Drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.

Q: Can handling cash or not wearing gloves be risky in terms of getting the virus?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no evidence that cash is transmitting COVID-19. You are welcome to wear gloves, however, WHO suggests regularly washing your bare hands offers more protection against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.

Q: Do I have to pay for the sanitizers?
Uber will make a one-time reimbursement with a maximum threshold (Kes 400) to cover the expense of buying surface sanitizers (with a minimum alcohol content of 60%). See here for more info.

Nairobi & Mombasa recommended suppliers:
Haltons Pharmacy (Nationwide) Tel +254 780 994 498 – Hand Sanitiser – Kes 400 each

1. Note that the above retailers and products are merely recommendations and drivers  will be under no obligation to purchase these products from these retailers;
2. The prices indicated above are merely indicative in nature and Uber, in no way whatsoever, warrants the completeness or correctness of any of the above information. Drivers are encouraged to enquire directly from the relevant retailer, prior to making any purchase, as to the availability and pricing of any product

Q: What happens if I can see a rider is sick?
If drivers feel uncomfortable picking up a passenger for safety reasons, they can choose not to accept or cancel the trip. However, it’s against Uber’s Community Guidelines to discriminate against anyone based on their race or national origin.


Q: I cannot renew my driver or vehicle documents because the department is closed?
Kindly note that during the COVID 19 crisis period some of the government issuing offices will be closed. The validity of certain traffic-related documents have been extended by 14 working days after the lockdown period has ended. For safety purposes, we cannot extend the expiry dates of Criminal Record Checks and Insurance Policies.

How else are you supporting the community?
We have partnered with Nairobi Hospital and The Gertrudes Children Hospital to offer their frontline health workers 25% off their trips during this crisis period. You can opt in to accept trips under the Uber Medics vehicle view in your driver app to help us move these critically important health care workers during this difficult period.
The UberEats app is also available daily for users to order meals and groceries to be delivered at home

Uber Medics
Q: What is Uber Medics?
To support frontline healthcare workers, Uber is launching UberMedics, a feature that will allow us to provide a discounted fee for medical professionals to ensure that they have a reliable and efficient way to move from one place to another in their service to the nation during this time.

Q: Is Uber Medics compulsory for all drivers? 
No. You will be required to opt in to take up any trips under Uber Medics. 

Q: If I opt in to Uber Medics, what protections will be provided to me?
The safety of our community is a key priority for us. Drivers have been provided with tips to follow to help keep themselves and the Uber community safe, including information on how to get reimbursements or PPE.