Introduction
Kenyan startups BuuPass, a transportation platform, and mTek, a leading digital insurance provider, have formed a strategic partnership aimed at improving the travel experience for customers by integrating comprehensive trip insurance into the booking process.
BuuPass: Revolutionizing Mobility in East Africa
Founded in 2016 by Sonia Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass has established itself as a pioneering B2B2C mobility marketplace. The platform allows users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via the web, mobile app, or USSD. In addition to offering a seamless ticketing experience, BuuPass provides a SaaS platform that helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales. The startup has sold over 16 million travel tickets, generating over US$100 million in gross merchandise value. BuuPass has been recognized in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and has received backing from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. Earlier this year, BuuPass expanded its footprint by acquiring its counterpart, QuickPass.
mTek: Digitizing Insurance for a Modern Era
Launched in 2020, mTek is at the forefront of digitizing the insurance industry in Kenya. The platform offers a completely paperless ecosystem that allows customers to purchase insurance directly from insurers, compare policies, and file claims using their smart devices. With a wide range of insurance services available from 35 Kenyan underwriters, mTek has quickly become a trusted name in the insurance sector. In 2022, mTek secured a US$3 million funding round to further expand its offerings.
Enhancing Travel Safety and Convenience
The partnership between BuuPass and mTek marks a significant milestone in providing travelers with enhanced safety, peace of mind, and convenience. By combining BuuPass’s user-friendly platform with mTek’s comprehensive insurance solutions, the collaboration creates a seamless and secure booking experience for customers.
Seamless Integration of Trip Insurance
Customers booking bus tickets through the BuuPass platform can now easily purchase mTek’s trip insurance. This insurance provides coverage for accidents and medical emergencies, ensuring financial protection and support in case of unforeseen incidents. The integration of this service underscores the commitment of both startups to delivering added value to their users.
Leadership Insights on the Partnership
Sonia Kabra, CEO of BuuPass, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with mTek to offer our customers the added security and peace of mind that comes with travel insurance. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide the most convenient and reliable travel solutions in East Africa.”
Echoing this sentiment, Bente Krogmann, CEO of mTek, remarked, “We are excited to collaborate with BuuPass. This partnership aligns with mTek’s vision of providing accessible and comprehensive insurance. It offers travelers financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents.”
This collaboration is set to elevate the travel experience in East Africa, ensuring that customers can travel with confidence knowing they are covered in case of emergencies.
