An Nisa, Kenya's Women-Only Taxi Service Platform, Records 10K Users, Eyes Saudi Expansion
An Nisa, a Kenyan women-only taxi service platform, is revolutionizing the transportation industry by providing safe and reliable transportation options to women and children. Founded by Mehnaz Sarwar in 2018, the company has quickly gained traction and now has over 10,000 users in its home market. With plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, according to its CEO, Sarwar in a chat with Disrupt Africa. An Nisa is poised to make a significant impact in the transportation industry in the Middle East.
The need for a women-only taxi service in Kenya arose due to the increasing number of sexual harassment cases reported by women who had taken traditional taxis. An Nisa aims to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for women by employing a team of female drivers who are dedicated to serving women and children exclusively. The company also offers monthly packages for parents and working women, which further enhances its appeal to women.
The success of An Nisa is attributed to its unique business model, which focuses on providing a safe and comfortable experience for women. The company empowers its drivers by giving them better rates, while also ensuring they work in a safe environment. This not only benefits the drivers but also ensures the safety of customers.
One of the biggest challenges faced by An Nisa was attracting customers, especially in a market dominated by male-driven taxis. However, the company has managed to attract a diverse range of customers, including corporate clients like Standard Chartered Bank. An Nisa makes money through daily rides, monthly subscriptions, and corporate clients, which has helped the company become financially sustainable.
An Nisa to Expand to Saudi
The success of An Nisa has not gone unnoticed, and the company is now looking to expand into Saudi Arabia, where it has several partners. The expansion into Saudi Arabia is a significant move that will enable the company to offer its services to a market where women’s safety is a major concern. The decision to expand into Saudi Arabia is also strategic, given that the country has recently implemented a series of reforms aimed at empowering women.
An Nisa’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is expected to have a significant impact on the transportation industry in the country. Like in Kenya, women in Saudi Arabia have faced challenges when it comes to transportation. In Saudi Arabia, women were not allowed to drive until 2018, which meant they had to rely on male-driven taxis, which often presented safety concerns. The introduction of a women-only taxi service like An Nisa will provide a safe and reliable transportation option for women in Saudi Arabia, giving them the freedom to move around independently.
The move into Saudi Arabia is not without its challenges. The company will have to navigate a different cultural landscape and comply with local laws and regulations. However, the potential benefits of offering a women-only taxi service in the country are significant, and An Nisa is confident that it can succeed.
An Nisa’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is part of a broader trend of companies recognizing the importance of women’s safety and the need for safe and reliable transportation options. Companies like Uber have introduced features like “Share My Trip,” which allows riders to share their trip details with friends and family for added safety. However, An Nisa’s unique business model, which focuses exclusively on women and children, is a game-changer in the industry.