Kenyan mobile phone operator Safaricom and a software solutions company have launched a homegrown taxi-hailing App to provide convenient and affordable taxi services to customers.

The CEO of Craft Silicon, Kamal Budhabhatti, said Wednesday his partnership with Safaricom to come up with the home-based innovation, will provide unrivaled experiences to customers by giving them more value for their money as they seek transport solutions.

"Little Cab aims to achieve one million rides in the next six months as we seek entrench and differentiate ourselves as a homegrown taxi app that will deliver distinctive customer experience," Budhabhatti said during the launch in Nairobi.

"We are also keen on empowering our drivers economically by offering them more returns on investment through value additions, such as free data, phones and favorable rates," he said.

Budhabhatti said Little Cab will take not take more than 15 percent off driver's earnings, compared to other players in the local market that take between 18 and 25 percent.

The App enables users to enjoy lower rates, making Little Cab the most affordable option in the Kenyan market, charging a minimum fare of 2.7 U.S. dollars and a cost of less than a dollar per km.

Key distinguishing features of the Little Cab partnership with Safaricom include the provision of free Wi-Fi services in every vehicle under the joint venture, which will be powered by the telecom firm.

Users can also opt for a "Ride Later" option that allows them to re-schedule their trips to avoid inconvenience.

The App also offers convenient payment options to drivers that include cash, cards and online imbursement.

Other features of the App include real-time driver information, live GPS-enabled maps, and ability for riders to give feedback.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, said Little Cab will provide better passenger experiences by connecting them with "more reliable, cost effective options".

He said over 250 drivers and 7,000 customers have already enlisted with the company and downloaded the App.  

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2016)