Easy Matatu launches health insurance, defensive driving training for its drivers

Easy Matatu, a tech platform that uses minibus taxi drivers to provide transportation to commuters in Africa, yesterday announced a partnership with Turaco, an insurtech company and MasterDrive an international driver safety and education company.

The partnership will see Easy Matatu drivers access affordable medical cover and life insurance for themselves and their families, acquire free accredited defensive driving instructions and training that will consequently guarantee the safest matatu rides in East Africa.

"These partnerships represent Easy Matatu’s mission to reform public transport in Africa by providing safer and more reliable rides to commuters while improving the lives of our driver-partners," said Andrew Lema, CEO at Easy Matatu.

Lilian Nassali, the Partnerships Manager at Turaco, asserted that they are delighted to work with Easy Matatu to offer affordable insurance to matatu drivers.

"Our emphasis is on the uninsured client therefore the drivers are an important group of people whose health and well being shouldn't be ignored," she said.

According to the 2020 Annual Crime Report released by the Uganda Police, 12,249 road accidents were registered, killing 3,663 people including passengers and drivers using either minibuses or motorcycles to commute.

"Driving is dangerous. We can combat this by investing in defensive driver training as is the case with Easy Matatu," said Derek Kirby, Training Director at Easy Matatu.

Easy Matatu allows commuters to book and pay for seats on scheduled rides using an Android and iOS app or by dialing the USSD code *284*28# and is currently present on Entebbe, Kira and Mukono routes.

Easy Matatu will also be launching on additional routes from Namugongo, Port Bell, Gayaza, Kyanja and Kajjansi in the next three months.