Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

In Kenya, Safaricom and Uber have partnered to launch a programme that enables users to pay for trips using the mobile payment system M-PESA.

The telecom company says the partnership will help drivers without bank accounts, as about 20% of drivers on the platform do not have bank accounts and thus are unable to take full advantage of digital trips, according to data from Uber.

"This partnership with Uber will allow us to offer a fully digital solution with quicker, more secure, more affordable, and more convenient payments through M-PESA to millions of customers, drivers, and delivery personnel. According to Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom.

He added: "We maintain a strong commitment to working with partners like Uber as they enable us to deliver more value and opportunities to our customers in line with our purpose to transform lives.”

The head of Uber's East Africa region, Imran Manji, said: "We are thrilled to offer riders on our platform the simplicity and convenience of mobile money through the integration of Mpesa for trip payments. We are happy to have Safaricom as a partner as we take this important step to increase financial inclusion in the nation."