94% of Kenyan Ride-Hailing Users View Service as Safer Than Other Transport
A new Safety Index report by Ipsos reveals that 94% of Kenyan ride-hailing users consider these services to be inherently safer than conventional transport modes like matatus and traditional taxis.
The report, commissioned by the ride-hailing platform Bolt, surveyed 250 active users across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. It indicates a significant shift in public perception, with growing trust attributed to reliability, integrated technology-enabled safety tools, and the sense of control passengers have during their journeys.
The demographic data highlights that women constitute 70% of ride-hailing users in Kenya, with the majority falling within the 18 to 34 age bracket. For this significant user base, convenience was the primary driver for using the apps (70%), followed closely by safety (57%).
The survey also pointed to a broader positive impact on responsible mobility. 79% of users believe ride-hailing services have played a major role in reducing instances of drunk driving by providing a readily accessible alternative. Furthermore, 64% of users reported proactively booking rides for friends or family members who were unfit to drive or needed safe transportation.
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager at Bolt, said safety is a core part of the company’s business.
“It transcends the mere avoidance of harm but is built on the premise of preventing incidents through the smart use of technology, data, and accountability,” Kanyankole stated. “These findings reaffirm that safety and reliability are not just expectations from users, but the foundation of trust that defines our relationship with them.”
The report found that in-app safety features are critical, with 97% of riders affirming that these enhancements significantly elevate their sense of security. The most valued tools were driver verification (79%) and the SOS button (78%). Additionally, 94% of users expressed a heightened sense of safety when using ride-hailing apps at night, citing real-time location sharing.
“This research reflects a significant behavioral shift in how Kenyans approach urban mobility,” added Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa. “Ride-hailing is increasingly viewed as not only a convenient option but also a safer and more responsible one, especially among young women and professionals.”
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