Faras Kenya launches 'luxury' taxi service targeting VIPs, corporates

Taxi hailing company Faras Kenya has launched Faras Comfort, another offering in its portfolio, with the promise that it will "redefine comfort, convenience and reliable rides" for its customers.

The service, the company says, will use top-of-the range vehicles with engine capacity above 2,000 CC, such as the Toyota Harrier, Range Rover and even Mercedes Benz.

“The Faras taxi hailing service was launched in November 2022, and is so far at the second position in terms market share. "Our app is the most driver-friendly on the market, as we pay them a 15 per cent commission, a rate above all other apps on the market," said General Manager Allan Maimbu, who launched the service at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on January 17.

"We have a robust network of 27,000 trained drivers. We also have not forgotten our clients as we have a reward system that offers Faras miles with every trip one makes, which can be redeemed for airtime, internet data, and cash withdrawals. Our success has been marked by over one million app downloads in the last 12 months.

Faras Kenya General Manager Allan Maimu during the launch of their Faras Comfort service at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on January 17, 2024. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

'Setting the standard'

Maimbu added that Faras Comfort is setting the standard of service, comfort and convenience in the executive taxi hailing industry in Kenya, solving the challenge of long wait times, the unreliability of drivers, difficulties in booking and tracking rides, and uncleanliness.

“With Faras Comfort, clients will not have to cram themselves in the “kadudu (loosely translated as small'')” vehicles that are the majority offered by other taxi hailing cabs. Faras Comfort will offer rides in vehicles in the class of the Harrier, all the way to the Mercedes Benz, with the base fare for this luxury travel experience set at an affordable Sh55 per kilometer,” he said.

A Faras Comfort taxi is pictured at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on January 17, 2024, when Faras Kenya launched the service. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

The service targets business professionals, tourists, families, tech savvy individuals, safety-conscious travelers, senior citizens and daily commuters.

“We ensure that our business professionals continue with their businesses and meetings uninterrupted by offering a comfortable ride, reliable Wi-Fi, and a safe, quiet and clean environment to enable them continue with their work while in transit. We will also serve clients who need a very comfortable ride due to health issues, as well as senior citizens affected by pungent gasses from vehicles or rough rides,” said Maimbu.

Service providers at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on January 17, 2024, when Faras Kenya launched its Faras Comfort service. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

Wajir East Member of Parliament Adan Daud, who attended the launch, said the KICC was a fitting location as it is the centre for conferences, tourism events and other such meetings.

Acknowledging the key role that car dealers play in the industry, Faras sought partnerships with them to ensure its continuity and success.

“We recognise the invaluable role the car hire industry plays so we invite you to explore exciting partnership opportunities with Faras Comfort to ensure its services become synonymous with quality and excellence in the transport sector,” Maimbu said.

Faras Comfort taxis are pictured at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on January 17, 2024, when Faras Kenya launched the service. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

In his address, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan said Faras has changed market dynamics by challenging global domination by similar models from Western countries.

“Faras is an African company that is using digital technology to advance entrepreneurial and business activities in this region. It is entering the global market that is dominated by big global non-African companies that are at the cutting edge of technology," he said.

"We know the success we have had with M-Pesa, which is another major innovation from our continent and our country. Faras is within that league - it is challenging and disrupting the established model of domination by Western companies in the taxi-hailing industry. This is a game changer so we should patronise it," Yusuf said.

Adding that Faras is also in the banking and telecommunication businesses, Yusuf said, "I want to see them succeed not only in Kenya and East Africa, but also globally. I would be very proud to see the Faras brand in New York, London or Bangkok."