Uber has announced updated vehicle eligibility criteria to enhance consistency and streamline the fleet operating on its platform in Nairobi.
These changes, which take effect from January 2025, were first communicated on November 25, 2024.
They will impact vehicles joining and continuing to operate on the Uber platform across various categories, including Uber ChapChap and Uber Comfort.
Key Updates to Vehicle Eligibility
Uber ChapChap
• New Vehicles:
• Starting January 2025, only vehicles manufactured in 2015 or later will be eligible to join the platform.
• From January 2026, the minimum manufacturing year will shift to 2016.
• Existing Vehicles:
• Vehicles already operating on Uber ChapChap must be no older than 12 years by January 1, 2026.
• Specific deadlines for older vehicles include:
• Vehicles from 2008 to 2013: Final operating date is December 31, 2025.
• Vehicles from 2014: Final operating date is December 31, 2026.
• Vehicles from 2015: Final operating date is December 31, 2027.
Uber Comfort
• New Vehicles:
• From January 2025, only vehicles manufactured in 2017 or later will be accepted.
• From January 2026, the eligibility year will advance to 2018 or newer.
UberX and UberXL
• No new vehicles will be accepted into these categories after December 9, 2024.
• Both UberX and UberXL will cease operations entirely after December 31, 2025.
For those with medium-sized vehicles, Uber encourages registration under Uber Comfort. Meanwhile, a new category for larger-capacity vehicles will be introduced, with further details to follow.
Implications for Drivers