Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Skuli rides is a technology designed to ensure linkage to safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective transportation to and from school. Skuli leverages GIS technology to ensure accountability, route optimization and utilization of ‘idle time’ of drivers

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Skuli is a solution that seeks to link school children/parents of school-going children to safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation. It is modeled after successful tech companies for cab drivers. We seek to pilot our solution in Nakuru County and eventually scaling to most parts of Kenya. Features of Our Solution User-Friendly Mobile App Through Skuli App, parents and guardians can easily schedule rides for their children. The App allows one to schedule a trip in advance or set up recurring trips. Mobile Money Payment Option The app has an integrated mobile money payment system to facilitate secure and convenient financial transactions. Market Linkages The platform links different stakeholders together to allow seamless transportation, safety of school-going children and value add for taxi drivers. Route Optimization The platform uses GIS technology to adjust routes in real-time based on traffic conditions, road closures, and ensures the quickest and safest paths

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

According to Nation e-newspaper, enhancing safety, efficiency, comfort, and reliability in school transportation is crucial. UNICEF highlights that all children have the right to education, yet only half of primary schools have the necessary infrastructure, including transportation. UNESCO's survey in six middle-income countries found that long commutes expose students to safety risks, exhaustion, and hindered learning. The Global Monitoring Report 2023 noted that Kenyan students walk an average of 2 km to school daily, with 15% traveling over 3 km, facing traffic accidents, violence, and harassment. This can lead to fatigue, impacting their ability to concentrate and increasing dropout rates. Insecurity, especially in Nakuru county, exacerbates these issues, with children vulnerable to crimes and health risks while commuting. Skuli addresses these problems by providing a safe, reliable transport solution, tracking children’s journeys and creating employment for taxi drivers.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Enhanced Safety and Security: Parents and guardians can monitor their children’s journeys in real-time through the Skuli app. This feature ensures that they are always aware of their children’s location and estimated time of arrival. Real-time tracking also allows for immediate response in case of any deviations or emergencies, providing peace of mind to parents. Skuli employs geo-fencing technology to create virtual boundaries around schools and designated pickup/drop-off points. This ensures that children are only picked up and dropped off at safe, predetermined locations. The system automatically alerts parents and the support team if a vehicle deviates from the designated route, enhancing security further. Using GIS and AI-powered algorithms, Skuli plans the most efficient routes, minimizing travel time and reducing fuel consumption. This ensures that children spend less time commuting and more time in school or at home.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Skuli aims to enhance the safety, reliability, and inclusivity of school transportation, ensuring that all children have equal access to education. Skuli aims to serve the following populations: Children who face long, unsafe commutes in regions affected by economic hardship, inadequate infrastructure or in some cases climate change. Students who require specialized transportation to ensure safe and comfortable travel to and from school- for example disabled students. Families seeking reliable, secure transportation solutions for their children, reducing the stress and risks associated with daily commutes. Local drivers looking for an extra source of income.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-05-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Daniel Kafuko Kassim is a Creative Director at Sparkle Online Solutions, where he leads a dynamic team in delivering innovative digital solutions. With a background in creative tech, Daniel brings extensive experience in graphic design, digital marketing, web, and app development. His role encompasses overseeing the creative process from concept to execution, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed client expectations. Daniel has skills across various facets of creative technology, developing a keen eye for design and a technical proficiency in web development. Grace Wakiaga is an integral partner, with a background in community development and a specialization in project management. She has experience designing and implementing projects that improve the wellbeing of the community, precisely children and youth. She is also passionate about social change. Her skills will be relevant in project execution, fostering partnerships and in maximizing impact.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Skuli creates employment opportunities for new and existing taxi drivers thus improving the local economy. Skuli offers flexible pricing plans and subsidies, making safe and reliable transportation more accessible to families in low-income and areas like slums. By lowering transportation costs, Skuli helps families save money that can be allocated to other essential needs, thus lifting them out of poverty or preventing them from falling deeper into poverty. Skuli prioritizes transportation solutions for vulnerable populations such as children with disabilities and those living in underserved areas. By ensuring these groups have equal access to education, Skuli helps break the cycle of poverty and promotes inclusivity.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Skuli provides a safe and secure transportation option for school children, reducing their exposure to risks associated with foot commute, wether dynamics, and health hazards associated with overcrowded public transport. By ensuring a safe commute, Skuli supports the physical and mental wellbeing of children and their families. The peace of mind provided to parents and guardians through Skuli’s real-time tracking and secure transportation options contributes to reduced stress and anxiety related to their children’s safety during daily commutes. This supportive environment promotes positive mental health outcomes for families.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Skuli improves access to education by providing safe and reliable transportation services for school children, especially those in remote or underserved areas. By ensuring that children can travel to and from school safely, Skuli helps reduce absenteeism and dropout rates, thereby promoting continuous access to quality education. Skuli caters to the transportation needs of children with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to access educational facilities. By providing specialized transportation solutions, Skuli promotes inclusivity within the educational system, supporting SDG 4’s objective of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Reliable transportation provided by Skuli contributes to a conducive learning environment by reducing the stress and fatigue associated with long and unreliable commutes. This enables children to arrive at school ready to learn and participate fully in educational activities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Skuli creates employment in the transportation sector for new and already existing drivers. Through its business model and partnerships, Skuli supports economic empowerment by providing drivers with income-generating opportunities. This economic activity stimulates local economies, enhances livelihoods, and promotes sustainable economic growth. By ensuring affordable and accessible transportation services, Skuli supports inclusive economic growth. Families and businesses can save on transportation costs, redirecting resources towards other essential needs and investments, thereby promoting financial stability and inclusive prosperity within communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Skuli leverages GIS technology and algorithms to optimize transportation routes. This innovative approach enhances efficiency, reduces travel time, and minimizes environmental impact, thereby promoting sustainable infrastructure development. Skuli promotes digital transformation within the transportation sector by offering a mobile app for booking and tracking rides. This digital platform enhances user experience, promotes transparency, and improves operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for industry standards and practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Skuli provides specialized transportation options for children with disabilities and those living in remote or underserved areas. By ensuring equal access to safe and reliable transportation, Skuli reduces transportation barriers that often exacerbate inequalities based on disability, geographic location, or socio-economic status. Skuli offers flexible pricing plans and subsidies, making transportation services more affordable for families in low-income communities. Skuli utilizes data analytics and feedback mechanisms to continuously improve service delivery and responsiveness to community needs. By leveraging data-driven insights, Skuli ensures that its transportation solutions are tailored to address specific inequalities and barriers faced by vulnerable populations.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

One of the targets of this SDG is that by 2030, provide access to safe, affordable accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety for vulnerable groups like children. Skuli ensures that children have access to safe and reliable transportation to and from school. By implementing rigorous safety protocols, real-time tracking, and vetted drivers, Skuli enhances road safety for one of the most vulnerable groups—children. This directly aligns with the SDG 11 target of improving road safety for vulnerable populations. By optimizing transportation routes using GIS technology, Skuli improves urban mobility, reduces travel times, and alleviates congestion. This contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of urban transport systems, making cities more livable and sustainable. Skuli’s commitment to providing transportation for children with disabilities and those in remote areas ensures that urban development is inclusive and equitable.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

One target of this SDG is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. Skuli prioritizes the safety and security of school children by implementing strict safety protocols, including background checks and training for drivers. This ensures that children are protected from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking during their commutes, directly contributing to the SDG 16 target of ending violence against children. Skuli utilizes advanced GPS technology to provide real-time tracking of all journeys. This transparency and accountability help prevent potential threats and enhance the security of children. y providing secure transportation options, Skuli empowers communities to protect their children from the risks associated with unsafe public transportation.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Unlike conventional services, which may lack real-time route optimization or comprehensive safety features, Skuli ensures that children are transported via the safest and quickest routes possible. Skuli Rides serves as a valuable extension of existing transportation services. While taxi apps cater to general transportation needs, Skuli focuses specifically on the unique requirements of school children and their parents. Our platform not only provides a safe and reliable mode of transportation but also integrates features such as advanced scheduling options. Existing transportation options often fail to adequately ensure the safety and reliability required for school children, especially in regions like Nakuru County. Skuli fills this gap by providing a dedicated service that prioritizes the security and comfort of young passengers. Our platform not only tracks and accounts for children's journeys but also leverages GIS technology to dynamically adjust routes based on traffic.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Local Public Transport (Matatus): These are widely used but often unreliable, unsafe, and overcrowded, posing significant risks to children. School Bus Services: The few schools that offer bus services, but these are limited in coverage and may not cater to all students, particularly those in far areas. Taxi Services (e.g., Uber, Bolt): While these services are more structured, they are not specifically designed for school transportation and may lack the efficient measures required for multiple school going children. What makes Skuli stand-out: Unlike general taxi services, Skuli is specifically designed for school children, with rigorous safety protocols, vetted and trained drivers, and real-time tracking for parents and guardians. Skuli optimizes routes for efficiency, reducing travel time and ensuring timely arrivals and departures, unlike the often unpredictable public transport options. Skuli offers flexible pricing plans and subscription options.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. As part of our initiative, Skuli Rides is committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity by encouraging and supporting female entrepreneurs, including female drivers, to participate in our platform. We believe in providing equal opportunities for women to thrive in the transportation sector, traditionally dominated by male drivers. By empowering female drivers through training, support, and fair employment practices, we aim to create a more inclusive workforce and contribute to economic empowerment within our community.