Uber Boda rolls out safety-first upgrades in Kenya’s boda boda sector

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Uber has added new safety features to Uber Boda, its motorcycle ride-hailing service in Kenya, including real-time GPS tracking of every trip, an in-app emergency button and background checks and training for riders. The company says the changes are meant to raise standards in the country’s boda boda sector, which carries millions of passengers every day.

What is changing on Uber Boda

“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, Uber’s Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our technology and training standards set a new benchmark for motorcycle taxi safety in Kenya, ensuring drivers and riders travel with confidence.”

Electric motorbikes from Greenwheels Africa

Uber Boda has also partnered with Greenwheels Africa, a Nairobi electric mobility company, to bring electric motorcycles into its fleet. “Combining our expertise in electric mobility with Uber’s technology allows us to deliver safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport,” said Greenwheels Africa chief executive Nabil Anjarwalla.

Uber says it will keep monitoring trips, analyse incidents and work with the authorities as part of its effort to set a new safety standard for motorcycle taxis while offering dignified work to riders.

A big but risky sector

The boda boda industry is one of Kenya’s largest sources of informal jobs. Capital FM, citing National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) estimates, reported that more than 2.5 million motorcycles are registered in the country, with about 1.8 million in active use. It also reported that the sector generates about KSh 660 billion a year, roughly 4.4% of national output.

Despite that economic weight, the sector has long struggled with weak regulation, little formal training and a high number of accidents. Ride-hailing firms argue that verification, training and trip tracking can make motorcycle taxis safer for passengers who rely on them for short, fast trips through traffic.

Key facts

• Every Uber Boda trip is now tracked by GPS from pick-up to drop-off.
• Passengers can share their live trip with family or friends through Share My Trip.
• An emergency button inside the app connects passengers to emergency services.
• Riders must pass background checks and identity verification and complete training in safe riding and customer service.
• Fares are shown upfront, so there is no bargaining at the end of the ride.
• Electric motorcycles are being added through a partnership with Greenwheels Africa.

What it means for riders and passengers

For passengers, the main gains are a digital record of each trip, the ability to share it with family, and fixed prices agreed before the ride. For riders, the training and verification requirements add steps before joining the platform, but Uber pitches them as a way to build trust with customers.

If you ride a boda boda for a living, estimate your daily earnings after fuel, maintenance and commission with our boda boda profit calculator. Riders looking for formal driving or delivery jobs can browse openings on Job in Kenya.