Uber Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to urban transport safety by introducing industry-leading safety features into Uber Boda, its two-wheeled ride-hailing service. The initiative is aimed at transforming the boda boda sector, bringing global safety standards to a key pillar of Kenya’s urban mobility landscape.
With this launch, Uber Boda is positioning itself as the smart, safe, and reliable alternative for motorcycle transport in Kenya, incorporating advanced safety technologies such as:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Emergency assistance buttons
- Driver identity verification
- Mandatory professional training for riders
These upgrades signal Uber’s intent to professionalize the boda boda sector, which remains central to Kenya’s transport and economic ecosystem.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA):
- Kenya has over 2.5 million registered motorcycles
- 1.8 million are actively in daily use
- The sector generates an estimated KSh 660 billion annually
- Contributes approximately 4.4% of the country’s GDP
- Supports tens of thousands of jobs, especially in last-mile transport
“Motorcycle taxis are not just about transport — they’re a lifeline for millions,” said Cassie Jaganyi, Head of Communications, Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “With Uber Boda, we’re raising the bar by fusing professional standards, technology, and safety to offer a modern transport alternative that works for both riders and drivers.”
Key Safety Features Introduced by Uber Boda
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time GPS Tracking | Every trip is tracked from start to finish for accountability and transparency |
| Emergency Button | In-app panic button connects riders directly to emergency services |
| Share My Trip | Riders can share route, live location, and ETA with trusted contacts |
| Driver Vetting | Background checks and identity verification for all Uber Boda drivers |
| Training & Compliance | Professional training in road safety, customer service, and soft skills |
| Transparent Pricing | Upfront fares eliminate price haggling and reduce disputes |
Uber Boda has also partnered with Greenwheels Africa, a leading electric mobility solutions provider in Nairobi, to integrate eco-friendly electric motorcycles into its fleet.
“This partnership helps us create not just safer but more sustainable urban transport options,” said Nabil Anjarwalla, CEO of Greenwheels Africa. “We focus on training, maintenance, and clean technology to ensure both rider and environmental safety.”
Together, the two firms are championing a dual agenda: rider safety and clean mobility, responding to the dual challenges of Kenya’s road safety and climate goals.
Uber’s approach to safety is dynamic and data-informed, relying on:
- Incident tracking and reporting systems
- Ongoing safety compliance assessments
- Feedback loops from rider safety experiences
- Collaboration with regulators via data transparency
This continuous improvement model allows Uber Boda to adapt quickly to emerging risks and operational challenges while remaining compliant with NTSA guidelines.
The integration of global safety protocols into Uber Boda represents a major leap forward for an industry often marred by concerns over road safety, driver training, and accountability.
“We want Uber Boda to set the benchmark for what safe, smart, and dignified motorcycle transport can look like in Africa,” said Jaganyi. “Our riders are trained, our system is transparent, and our technology puts customer safety first.”
Key Takeaways
- Uber Boda introduces new safety features tailored to Kenya’s motorcycle taxi industry
- Over 2.5M boda bodas operate in Kenya, contributing significantly to GDP and jobs
- Uber Boda now offers GPS-tracked rides, in-app emergency response, and trained drivers
- A new green mobility partnership with Greenwheels Africa adds sustainability to safety
- The initiative supports Kenya’s broader goals of transport safety and digital inclusion
