Google and Safaricom are launching an interactive mobile application that offers motorists access to real-time traffic information compiled through crowd-sourced data from fellow road users.

The free GPS-based mobile application is called Waze. The traffic information tool is already available in two hundred other countries according to the two technology companies where it collates information on road conditions as generated by other users on the same route. That information is then used to provide the end user with advice on potential alternative routes.

Sylvia Mulinge, Safaricom's director of consumer business sees the application as a sign of the evolution of mobile technology.

"Safaricom is keen to continue to extend the benefits of our more connected world to our subscribers as we work to transform their lives by putting them closer to critical information," said Mulinge.

Waze provides the user with a view of a map that has been layered onto Google Maps using voluntary feedback from subscribers on the Safaricom network.

Charles Murito, Google Kenya country manager said Waze will be the ultimate driving companion as it will track a user's progress in traffic jams.

"Using a traffic bar, the application will calculate the amount of time spent in the jam and update your progress as you move along. At the same time you will also receive information generated by other motorists," he added.

Waze is available for download on the Android and iOS App Stores. Customers are required to enter details of their destination to access traffic information and can passively contribute similar information to other road users by continuing to run as a background application.