A 21-year-old entrepreneur cum innovator, Mtende Kuyokwa has developed a mobile application called “Jiya” aimed at helping commuters spend less on travel.
Kuyokwa, a fourth year student at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) says the application has the potential to help people travel affordably by sharing rides instead of traveling alone.
He said “Jiya” has been derived from a Chichewa word “Kujiya” which roughly translates to save or reduce.
The youthful innovator has indicated that he decided to develop the application after noticing struggles travellers pass through to find affordable transportation.
“The idea is to help people or commuters travel affordably by sharing rides which is relatively cheaper than traveling alone,” Kuyokwa said.
He said the application works by connecting drivers or car owners with passengers travelling on the same route.
“Drivers post details of their trip, including available seats, fuel contribution and destination, allowing potential passengers to book seats directly from the car owner,” said Kuyokwa.
The application, which is available for download on various app stores is allowing people to identify rides in the comfort of their homes without the need to stand and wait at key strategic boarding points.
“Everything happens on the app, from finding a ride to confirming your seat,” he explained.
Environmental expert Maloto Chimkombelo has commended Kuyokwa for developing the application, saying if well utilised, the technology has the potential to not only reduce transport costs but also ease congestion and lower emissions in urban areas.
“These are the kind of innovations we should be pushing for if we want to develop as a country,” Chimkombelo said.
The app can be downloaded on various app stores including Google play store and palm store.
