The Kenyan public transport industry has for a long time been dominated by matatus and buses, which its users often face various challenges like fluctuating fare prices and abuse by rogue operators. It seems the problem has been ‘half-solved’ with the introduction of SWVL travel, which offers stress-free rides free from the matatu hassles. The process is simple. You don’t have to go to the bus station but book your ride, wait for pick up, and head to your destination.
What is SWVL travel?
SWVL is a Dubai-based ride-sharing company that was started in Egypt in 2017 by entrepreneurs Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah, and Mahmoud Nouh.
It operates in 115 cities in 18 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Its entry into the Kenyan market was in 2019, when it began operations in Nairobi with only four routes. Currently, it offers rides to various towns in Kenya.
The travel service provider relies on technology as it has the SWVL app where a customer chooses a travel destination and conducts payments before the travel time.
How to join and use SWVL Kenya
SWVL Kenya does not have a physical booking station. You have to download the SWVL app or use their website to enjoy their services.
SWVL app is available on Google Play Store for Android users and Apple Store for IOS users. Here is how to book a ride on SWVL Kenya:
1. Download the SWVL app or visit their website
2. Choose your origin, travel destination and time
3. You will be redirected to a page where you will fill in contact details – name, email, and password (for first-time users)
4. Double check the details before booking your trip
5. You will receive an SMS or an email with your pick-up point, pick-up time, and the boarding number. You will also be sent a link to google maps in case you don’t know your exact pick-up point
SWVL Kenya payment methods
Before booking your trip, the fare to your destination will be indicated depending on the number of passengers you are traveling with.
In your account settings, there is a payment section where you choose to pay either via mobile wallet, debit, or credit card. Alternatively, you can pay cash before boarding the SWVL bus.
You can check their website for promo codes and enjoy your rides at a discounted price.
SWVL Kenya charges, routes, and destination
SWVL Kenya offers pocket-friendly charges regardless of your travel destination – whether within Nairobi or other towns.
The minimum fare charged by SWVL is Ksh230. The prices vary depending on pick-up points and destination, but they are not subject to change based on factors such as; time, weather, and present fuel prices.
SWVL operates from Nairobi to and from destinations such as Nakuru, Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa, and Kisumu, among others.
Here are SWVL routes and prices:
* Nairobi to Nakuru – Ksh680
* Nairobi to Eldoret – Ksh1,440
* Eldoret to Nairobi – Ksh950
* Nairobi to Mombasa – Ksh1,610
* Nairobi to Kisumu – Ksh1,300
* Nairobi to Kisii – Ksh1,300
* Kisii to Nairobi – Ksh1,000
SWVL pick up locations
These are designated places where SWVL buses collect their customers for travel.
Nairobi to Nakuru SWVL
* Total Petrol Station – Maternity
* Reinsurance Plaza Parking(Along City Hall Way)
* Taj Mall
* Tea Room – CBD
* Koja Stage
* Junction Mall
Nairobi to Kisumu SWVL
* KNUT House, Mfangano Street
* Taj Mall
* Mfangano Center
* Mfangano Street – Opp Quickmart
Kisumu to Nairobi SWVL
* Wells Oil, Kisumu
* Kisumu bus park
* Nakumatt Mega Kisumu
Eldoret to Nairobi SWVL
* Eldoret – former Uchumi Supermarket
Kisii to Nairobi SWVL
* Sansora Building
* Guardianmatt Stage
Nairobi to Eldoret SWVL
* Mfangano Street
Mombasa to Nairobi SWVL
* Mwembe Tayari
Nairobi to Mombasa SWVL
* River Road
* Duruma Rd(Next to Dreamline)
SWVL customer care
Facebook – SWVL
Twitter – @SWVLkenya
LinkedIn – SWVL
