SafeBoda, Uganda’s ride-hailing company, has announced its return to Nairobi, Kenya, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes after a period of temporary closure due to operational difficulties experienced by the company in the Kenyan market.
In a report we did in November 2020, it was revealed that SafeBoda faced challenges in Kenya, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the company made the difficult choice to suspend its operations in Kenya temporarily.
The hiatus was notable as it deviated from the company’s otherwise successful operations in Uganda and other markets such as Ibadan in Nigeria — where it eventually closed business in 2022.
Despite the previous setbacks, SafeBoda has decided to re-enter the Nairobi market with renewed determination and enhanced safety measures. Alongside reintroducing its bike-hailing services, SafeBoda is launching SafeCar, a secure and trusted ride-hailing solution tailored specifically for the city.
Leveraging its extensive experience and expertise in the ride-hailing industry, SafeBoda aims to regain the trust and confidence of users in Nairobi, reaffirming its position as a leading player in the market.
Rob Sanford, CEO of SafeBoda, expressed his excitement about the company’s return to Nairobi, emphasizing SafeBoda’s mission to make transportation safer and more convenient for everyone.
Sanford stated, “We are thrilled to be back in Nairobi, a city that holds a special place for SafeBoda. Our mission has always been to enhance transportation safety and convenience, and with the launch of SafeCar, we are taking another step toward achieving that goal.”
Frida Mwaura, COO of SafeBoda, echoed Sanford’s sentiments, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. Mwaura emphasized SafeBoda’s rigorous safety protocols and driver training programs, aimed at ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for passengers.
Both affirm the importance of safety as a priority for SafeBoda and reiterated their dedication to providing a secure and comfortable transportation experience for passengers.
SafeBoda will have to compete for the ride-hailing market with existing players including Uber, Bolt, Little, and Faras. The key advantage the former has is that it has mastered the art of boda-hailing in the region.
With the introduction of SafeCar, passengers will have access to a wider range of transportation options, all while enjoying the same level of safety, reliability, and affordability that it is renowned for.
