NAIROBI, Kenya— Ride-hailing platform Uber has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its Uber Boda motorcycle taxi service, aiming to improve safety in Kenya’s fast-growing two-wheeler sector through new technologies and mandatory training.
With boda bodas serving as a major pillar of local transport and employing thousands across Kenya, safety concerns have continued to shadow the industry due to minimal regulation and poor oversight.
Uber’s latest move seeks to reverse that narrative by introducing GPS-enabled tracking, real-time trip sharing, and a suite of emergency tools designed to offer both accountability and peace of mind.
“Safety has always been at the core of everything we do at Uber, regardless of whether someone is riding in a car or on a motorcycle,” said Cassie Jaganyi, Head of Communications for Uber, Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have introduced technology and training standards that set a new benchmark for motorcycle taxi safety in Kenya, ensuring both our drivers and riders can travel with confidence.”
Official data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that over 2.5 million motorcycles have been registered countrywide, with 1.8 million of them currently in use.
This informal transport network contributes an estimated Sh660 billion annually representing about 4.4% of Kenya’s GDP yet it remains vulnerable due to lax regulation and insufficient rider education.
Uber’s safety enhancements include thorough background checks and driver verification protocols, as well as fare transparency via upfront pricing, eliminating common disputes that typically arise during cash negotiations.
In addition, every Uber Boda trip can be shared live with family or friends through the “Share My Trip” feature, and riders can access emergency support instantly through an in-app panic button.
In a notable sustainability twist, Uber has also partnered with Greenwheels Africa, a local e-mobility provider that supplies electric bikes and conducts regular vehicle inspections.
“At Greenwheels, our focus is on providing clean, efficient, and safe two-wheeled transport solutions.
Our partnership with Uber allows us to combine our expertise in electric mobility with their technology and safety standards to offer an experience that is not only safer, but also more sustainable,” said Nabil Anjarwalla, CEO, Greenwheels Africa.
To maintain progress, Uber says it continuously collects and analyzes safety data, tracking user experiences and compliance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
The company is also working with authorities to raise safety standards industry-wide, signaling its intention to play a long-term role in reshaping the boda boda space.
