Faras Kenya Launches New In-App Wallet to Seamless Taxi Payments
- Faras Kenya introduced an in-app wallet feature, allowing customers to load money and pay for trips directly
- The Faras Wallet eliminates fare negotiation and disputes, providing automatic payments
- Drivers will benefit benefit from real-time earnings access, automatic commission deductions, and a seamless payment system
Faras, a Kenyan e-hailing platform, has introduced an in-app wallet feature, allowing customers to load money and pay for trips directly, enhancing trust and convenience in the taxi industry.
Source: UGC
What are the benefits of new Faras wallet
Faras General Manager Allan Maimbu said the feature is “a game changer aimed at improving trust and easing movement within cities.”
"We looked at the friction points that exist in the customer-driver interaction, especially around fare payment,” he stated. “The wallet resolves a number of issues related to disputes over charges, lack of loose change, and the charge on mobile money transfers,” said Maimbu in a press statement seen by TUKO.co.ke.
The GM noted that one of the key benefits of the wallet is that payment is done automatically at the conclusion of the trip, eliminating negotiation and disputes over fares between customers and drivers.
This helps a lot in reducing tension, especially during peak hours or in new cities.
“This also increases accountability because both parties understand the settlement is done by the system — no stories, no surprises," he said.
What are the features of Faras in-wallet
From a budgeting perspective, the feature is also a welcome tool for users trying to manage their travel costs.
Customers can load a specific amount into the wallet and track how much they spend on transport monthly.
“We’re seeing many customers use this to plan ahead, particularly those who rely on Faras daily for work or school,” he added.
Cashless convenience is another driving factor behind the innovation. Customers no longer have to carry loose change or worry about receiving the correct balance.
In addition, by paying directly from the wallet, customers avoid mobile money transfer charges, which — over time — can add up to significant savings.
The system is also integrated with Faras Miles, the company’s loyalty reward system, allowing customers to convert earned points into wallet credit.
Benefits to drivers
Drivers, who are often burdened with managing daily commissions and collecting payments, are also set to benefit from the new system. For every trip paid through the wallet, Faras automatically deducts its commission, relieving drivers of the manual process of settling balances.
“This feature has been especially helpful to drivers who are on a credit limit and unable to receive new cash trips. Wallet-paid trips allow them to keep working without disruption,” he explained.
He further highlighted that drivers can access their earnings in real time, improving their ability to plan daily finances.
Since its soft launch, the Faras Wallet has already recorded a high uptake among both customers and drivers in Nairobi, and the company is planning to scale it across other towns in the coming months.
Faras joins a growing list of tech firms leveraging digital wallets to enhance the customer experience, as cashless ecosystems continue to gain ground across Africa’s urban centers.
To enjoy the seamless cashless experience that the Faras Wallet offers, here are the simple steps to load your wallet with funds:
1. Open the Faras App – Launch the Faras application on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the Wallet Icon – This is usually located at the bottom or top-right corner of the app interface.
3. Select ‘Top Up Wallet’ – Choose the option to add money or top up.
4. Select the Amount – Input the desired amount you want to load into your wallet.
5. Choose Payment Method – Select your preferred payment method (e.g., M-PESA).
6. Follow the Prompt – A payment prompt will be sent to your phone. Enter your M-PESA PIN to authorize the payment.
7. Confirmation – Once the transaction is successful, the amount will reflect in your Faras Wallet instantly.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
