Uber Safaris must comply with strict licensing rules, says tourism regulator
TRA said it remains committed to supporting innovation that strengthens Kenya's position as a leading and trusted global tourism destination while safeguarding the interests of licensed operators and ensuring world-class experiences for all visitors.
The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has directed Uber Technologies East Africa to ensure strict adherence to a list of regulations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient use of the newly launched Uber Safaris in the country.
The regulations stipulate that only duly licensed tour operators who own a minimum of two Tourist Service Vehicles (TSVs) shall be eligible for onboarding onto the Uber Safaris platform.
In this case, all participating TSVs must be duly licensed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and registered and verified by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
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"Only fully equipped safari vans and 4x4 Land Cruisers shall be authorised for use under Uber Safaris. Ordinary Uber taxis shall not be permitted to provide safari services," the statement signed by Norbert Talam, the Director General, TRA, said.
Secondly, all participating TSVs shall display clear branding of the registered tour company alongside the Uber Safaris identity.
The licensed tour operator shall retain full responsibility for service delivery, client safety, maintenance of the TSV Vehicle's standards, and customer satisfaction.
At the same time, all tour guides engaged in Uber Safaris must be duly licensed, registered, and verified by the TRA.
Lastly, the authority said Uber Safaris is designed to serve diverse market segments, including domestic tourists, international visitors on business trips, corporate clients, educational groups, and transit travellers.
"The Authority wishes to reiterate that Uber Safaris is strictly a booking and facilitation platform. It does not replace tour operators but rather expands their market reach by connecting them directly with potential clients in a structured, transparent, and secure manner," the statement added.
It affirmed that the service was launched following extensive consultations, regulatory guidance, and market surveys, with particular focus on its initial operations within the Nairobi National Park.
By leveraging technology, the platform connects clients directly with duly licensed and accredited tour operators, thereby enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in safari bookings.
"The integration of technology in tourism is not only inevitable but also essential in enhancing competitiveness, accountability, and visitor confidence, while reducing opportunities for crime and unlicensed operations."
It adds that the initiative not only simplifies safari arrangements but also aligns with Kenya's broader vision of embracing technology to ease the cost of doing business, strengthen accountability, and reduce risks associated with informal or unregulated operations
"This service ensures safe, reliable, and affordable wildlife experiences within Nairobi National Park, in full compliance with national tourism standards."
The Authority said it remains committed to supporting innovation that strengthens Kenya's position as a leading and trusted global tourism destination while safeguarding the interests of licensed operators and ensuring world-class experiences for all visitors.
"TRA assures all tourism stakeholders and the general public that all existing standards for Tourist Service Vehicles, driver guides, and the industry code of conduct shall apply without exception to Uber Safaris."
Officials from the taxi-hailing app said it saw an opportunity to provide transport to the unique park that ranks as the only one existing within a capital city.
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