Google will offer Motorbike Mode on its maps in Kenya, where bike riders in Africa will access the voice navigation service.
According to Google, over a million Kenyans find boda bodas as a convenient and affordable way to move and transport goods from one place to another.
"With Google Maps’ new Motorbike Mode, users across Kenya will now be able to get directions and turn-by-turn navigation, to suggest routes that are more efficient," Google stated.
Streets in Kenyan cities and towns are often poorly signposted and frequently congested, making it hard for boda boda riders to pick up customers when hailed by phone.
"What prevents us from picking some clients is lack of navigation. If the road doesn’t have a clear name and you are new to the area, you get lost," Ben Chelule, a rider stated.
Google stated that it was also launching its Street View service in Kenya for the first time, allowing users to virtually explore 9,500km of roads in cities such as Nairobi and holiday destinations such as Malindi at the coast, via its images.
The company also set aside Ksh100 million shillings to train Kenyan farmers in digital skills, it added.
Google Kenya manager Charles Murito noted that it targets farmers because they employ 40 per cent of the population and account for a third of GDP.
Mr Murito stated, "We want to see the power of technology elevate small-scale farming. We hope that through this initiative, we will see a positive impact on food security, job creation and GDP growth in Kenya."
Kenyan roads are full of motorcycle taxis, known as boda bodas, that are much cheaper rides than cars.
