Taxi-hailing firm Little launches own virtual wallet

Image: mpesarates.com (Source: AFK Insider)

The in-app feature, dubbed Little Coins, requires riders to load the wallet via an M-Pesa pay bill number to pay a driver or buy airtime. The feature allows riders to deposit up to Sh50,000 into the virtual wallet.

The feature also allows account holders to pay for rides taken by dependents.

The taxi-hailing firm now plans to introduce paying off some bills through the online account in the near future.

Further, it is set to partner with a petrol station brand where drivers will be allowed to use the electronic funds to pay for fuel.

Drivers prefer cashless transactions

"Many drivers have started preferring cashless transactions because that is safe," said Kamal Budhabhatti, CEO of Little's parent firm Craft Silicon.

He added that Little Coins allows drivers to withdraw funds anytime, making it more convenient than other platforms where cash can only be taken out after a few days.

"Having cash on Little wallet is easy for riders since they do not have to worry about the change. It's completely hassle-free. When the trip ends the driver account gets credited both get notified when the transaction is done," he said.