A new Safety Index report by Ipsos, commissioned by Bolt and released on November 10, reveals a shift in how Kenyans perceive urban mobility.
An overwhelming 94% of ride-hailing users now consider app-based services safer than traditional transport modes such as matatus and taxis, an endorsement of the role technology plays in enhancing commuter safety.
The study surveyed 250 active ride-hailing users across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, capturing views on driver trust, in-app safety tools, vehicle conditions, and high-risk scenarios like late-night travel and post-event movement.
The findings highlight a growing reliance on digital mobility platforms and the trust they inspire through smart safety features and user control.
“Approximately 9 in 10 (89%) report choosing ride-hailing because it feels like a safer option particularly in situations involving fatigue, late-night travel, or unfamiliar areas,” the report notes.
Who’s Using Ride-Hailing and Why
The demographic breakdown reveals that women constitute 70% of ride-hailing users in Kenya, with the majority aged 18 to 34. For this segment, ride-hailing is more than a convenience; it’s a trusted solution for everyday mobility.
- 70% cited convenience as their top motivator
- 57% chose safety as a key driver
- Usage frequency: 29% daily, 44% a few times a month, 18% a few times a week
“Sometimes it’s not even about danger, it’s just more peaceful, clean, and reliable when I’m using an app,” shared one respondent.
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Safety Features That Build Confidence
The report underscores the importance of integrated safety tools in shaping user trust:
- 97% say safety features significantly enhance their sense of security
- Driver verification is the most valued feature (79%)
- The SOS button follows closely (78%)
- Features like live location sharing, trip monitoring, and flexible drop-off points reinforce confidence
“Over the years, we have invested in systems that allow riders to feel more in control from real-time GPS tracking, trip safety monitoring, and verified riders and drivers to our in-app emergency response tools,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager at Bolt.
“These findings reaffirm that safety and reliability are not just expectations from users but the foundation of trust that defines our relationship with them.”
Night Travel and Responsible Mobility
Ride-hailing’s impact is especially pronounced during late-night travel. A remarkable 94% of users feel safer using apps after dark, thanks to verified drivers, door-to-door convenience, and real-time location sharing.
The report also highlights ride-hailing’s role in promoting responsible behaviour:
- 79% believe it helps reduce drunk driving
- 64% have booked rides for friends or family, often when they were too tired or unfit to drive
“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,” said Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa.
A Safer Future Through Digital Mobility
With only 4% of respondents saying ride-hailing is “about the same” as other transport options in terms of safety, the message is clear: digital mobility is not just the future. It is already redefining the present.
As Kenya continues to embrace smart mobility, the Ipsos Safety Index affirms ride-hailing’s transformative role in shaping safer, smarter, and more inclusive transport solutions.
From empowering women to reducing risky travel behaviours, the tech behind the ride is changing how safety is experienced on the road.
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