I’ve been ranting on Twitter for years that someone should do this.
https://twitter.com/MrBankole/status/291793127801507841
I’ve seen a few wannable takers, but they ultimately turned out to be jokers. Jekalo promises to be different and could nail this. In the end it’ll come down to the execution, but I really, really, really like the direction in which they are taking this. @gbenga wrote a preliminary post on it, but I’m gonna follow up.
EDIT: Follow up is here.
Wow, this is exciting. I wouldn’t have to trek form Sabo to Anthony anymore.
Why is it restricted to Lagos alone? What stops people from outside Lagos from trying it?
There was once sharemyride.com.ng or so, which fizzeled out. These guys seem the most serious
Like the name! 
Well… it’s technically a rip off of ride.com
But didn’t someone once say Nigerians should “mostly” develop/work on tested+trusted foreign ideas for the Nigerian/African market?
I love this too much.
The Ride.com’s offering is different from the one for Jekalo.com
Only commonality I see so far is the ridesharing bit.
Ride sharing is the basis of both ideas sure. But the similarities are too close not to call it a rip off.
From ride.com:
We’ve got a smart algorithm running non-stop to find you a better Ride to work, whether you want to be a Passenger or a Driver. We’ll pair you with co-workers and neighbors that live along a similar route with similar schedules for a door-to-door commute that is, finally, enjoyable. All you have to do is download the app. Our algorithm will suggest a role that we think will reduce your stress and save you the most money but you can always decide how you want to use Ride: as a Passenger enjoying the commute or take the wheel as a Driver. With all matches, both Passengers and Drivers have the opportunity to accept or reject matches until they find what they want.
From jekalo:
I’m not saying they shouldn’t do it. I’m just pointing out similarities with another service. that’s all
As long as more than one person is trying to solve the same problem, i believe there would always be similarities. Your reason for ‘pointing them out’, i have no idea.
Okay you’ve listed Jekalo’s steps.
Could you now state your own approach to the same problem without “ripping off” jekalo.
While at it, a few questions too:
Is Konga or Alibaba a “rip off” of Amazon?
Is/Was Instagram a copy of Facebook? - i mean since you can post, tag, like & comment on pictures on the former
It is fun to have something to compare them to.
same way mark ‘suggested’ that they get inspiration from Airbnb yesterday.
Good stance.
I think the first thing we need to remember is that the old Jumia, when it was Kasuwa, was not shy to say they are following Amazon model and if you are a Jason [Njoku] proponent, you will know that he has never been shy to admit that Netflix and Amazon are something they are streaming towards.
So why should Jekalo be shy of saying that they are following the digital footsteps of ride.com.
They should have said that initially if they worked very well on their market analysis.
Although the “rip off” label might be to harsh.
Clean and beautifully designed…
So, I worked on a ridesharing application for a semester project last month. What are the ways to ensure safety of drivers and passengers?
(Lecturers kept asking that, I couldn’t give a good answer)
Saying B was inspired by A, is different from saying B is a rip off of A.
I didn’t mention Jumia, but I do get your point 
Well. I think the founder or proponent of Jekalo should come on and answer this question. Moreover this is still an assumption as we haven’t heard from the horses mouth. I wasn’t speaking for Jekalo.com Was simply responding to a “rip off” comment.
Yeah but using the term “rip-off” isn’t very helpful. We need an effective ride-sharing service in Nigeria (especially the big cities). Or don’t you think so?
Elementary, Watson. Verification. Two methods.
Social proof. Zimride got its users to link their Facebook pages so prospective drivers and riders could scrutinise their networks and decide if they wanted to ride with them. Plus if your rider/driver and you have mutual friends, it is easier to trust them. Jekalo takes it a step further by getting you to link your LinkedIn profile as well.
Valid ID, like they require on Airbnb. Jekalo needs to do this too.
It might not be 100 percent foolproof, but it does a lot to ensure that the people who sign up are professionals who have verifiable identities and networks.
Great idea. Great website-pretty neat and easy to use.
Only one red flag…tried looking for the Terms of Use of the website, didn’t find any. Expected to see Disclaimers and Waivers of liability on almost every other line…not sure whether that’s a good thing or not. The fact that it doesn’t exist suggests the founders might not have thought through the legal implications of connecting two random strangers on a trip.
What happens if there is a theft? or something more nefarious?
Without the Terms of Use, it would appear the guys at Jekalo might find themselves in an uncomfortable legal situation if something went wrong.
Great concept though.
lol fun! i see
