Safaricom has revealed they are working on a smart vehicle tracking system. The Internet of Things Telematics solution appears to be the company’s next frontier as it expands its reach in the tech industry.
The first pilot for the service will be done during the East African Safari Classic Rally . Raaji Bharij’s Ford will have the solution installed as part of Safaricom’s KES 1 Million sponsorship deal. About Safaricom Telematics Solution:
Safaricom explains that their solution interstates with the vehicle’s on-board computer, and collects information on several parameters. This information is accumulated and recorded at the end and start of each trip.
The data collected provides insights on the following: Duration of the journey
Vehicle speed
Route information
Fuel consumption and
Driver behaviour
Peter Ndegwa , Safaricom CEO said, “As part of our journey to becoming a fully-fledged technology company, we are in the process of testing new IoT solutions which will allow systems, processes, machinery and ‘things’ to become truly interconnected and interoperable.”
“The Telematics offering which we are piloting at the East African Safari Classic Rally allows for visualization of information relating to vehicle performance and efficiency, vehicle status and driver behaviour; providing key information to better manage any fleet,” he continued.
“We are grateful to Safaricom for their sponsorship and honoured to be piloting their new smart vehicle tracking system. As far as our team’s ambition for the rally is concerned, firstly we want to ensure the car is in one piece after each leg and secondly to be among the top finishers”, said RaajiLast week Safaricom also announced a KES 6 million sponsorship for the East African Safari Classic Rally through its M-PESA platform. The Telco is also backing reigning African Rally Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo as he targets a podium finish at the event.The rally will begin with scrutineering at the KWSTI in Naivasha where the event will be flagged off. The action then proceeds to Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru, Coverdale in Nanyuki for two days, Kilima Camp in Amboseli for three days, Salt Lick Lodge at Taita Hills, before concluding at Ocean Sports in Watamu, where the Prize Giving Gala will be held.