Kenya’s night-time mobility patterns are shifting, with new data showing that women and young people are increasingly relying on ride-hailing platforms for safer movement after dark. According to the recently released Ipsos Ride-Hailing Safety Index Survey (2025), 94% of users in Kenya feel safer using ride-hailing apps at night compared to traditional transport modes.
Women and youth continue to be the most active ride-hailing users, with women accounting for 70% of users and the majority aged 18–34. The findings reveal that safety is not only a primary motivator for choosing ride-hailing services as ranked by 57% of respondents, but also a decisive factor in late-night travel for social, work, and commuting needs.
Key highlights from the 2025 Safety Index Survey include:
- 94% of riders feel safer using ride-hailing apps at night due to GPS tracking, verified driver identities, and door-to-door drop-offs.
- 89% have opted for ride-hailing specifically because it felt like a safer option in situations such as fatigue, late-night travel, or when navigating unfamiliar areas.
- 63% turn to ride-hailing when too tired, unwell, or distracted to travel safely, a pattern particularly common among young adults.
- 64% have booked rides for friends or family to ensure safe travel home, especially late at night.
- Ride-hailing is perceived as safer than matatus or traditional taxis by 94% of respondents.
Bolt end-of-year platform insights further show that Fridays record the highest surge in ride and food-related movement, signaling a consistent weekly pattern where Kenyans, particularly young women, choose app-based mobility during nights out, events, and weekend transitions.
Dimmy Kanyonkole, Senior General Manager, Rides, East Africa, noted that the data validates long-standing internal trends:
“The Safety Index report findings reinforce what our internal data and trends have shown over the years. Women and young people overwhelmingly prefer app-based transport when moving at night because they can track their trip, verify their driver, and get dropped directly at their doorstep. These safety tools continue to build trust and offer practical protection during night-time travel.”
Kanyonkole added that the spike in Friday activity marks the beginning of the country’s “festivities movement rhythm,” where safety and convenience converge.
Ride-hailing has also emerged as a strong deterrent to drunk driving, with 79% of users believing these services have reduced the likelihood of impaired driving by offering accessible alternatives after social events.
Safety features such as driver verification, the SOS/emergency button, live GPS tracking, and trip-sharing tools were identified as the most valued elements enhancing trust, with 97% of users stating these features make them feel significantly safer.
As Kenya’s urban centres continue to grow and nightlife activity expands, digital mobility platforms are increasingly taking up a frontline role in providing safer transport options. The data highlights a critical need for continued collaboration among technology providers, policymakers, community groups, and safety advocates to ensure women and young people can move confidently and securely at night.
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