A new Safety Index Report by Ipsos which was commissioned by Bolt has revealed that 94% of Kenyan ride-hailing users consider ride-hailing services to be safer than traditional transport options like matatus and conventional taxis.
The survey was conducted in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru. Real-time GPS tracking, in-app SOS buttons and verified driver identities are some of the features users said helped boost their sense of safety and control.
Women make up 70% of Kenya’s ride-hailing users and most are between the ages of 18 and 34. Convenience (70%) and safety (57%) are the top reasons for choosing ride-hailing apps over other transport options for these users. The report also found that 79% of users believe ride-hailing helps reduce drunk driving, with 64% saying they have booked rides for friends or family members in need of safe transport.
“Safety has always been at the core of our business at Bolt,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager at Bolt. “Our investments in technology and accountability systems ensure riders feel more in control during every trip.”
Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa, added: “This reflects a behavioral shift in how Kenyans view urban mobility — ride-hailing is now seen as both convenient and responsible, particularly among young women and professionals.”
The study also noted that 97% of riders value safety tools like driver verification (79%) and SOS features (78%), while 94% report feeling safer at night when using ride-hailing apps, largely due to real-time location sharing.
For these and more stories, follow us on X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Telegram. You can also send us tips or reach out at [email protected].
Also Read: Bolt Launches Parcel Delivery Service in Kenya with Real-Time Tracking
