Now Renowned for Pioneering strategies
Bolt
It is becoming increasingly evident that Hail-riding Company Bolt, has, in the recent past, been pioneering projects (including driver safety workshops et al) in the hail taxis sector in the country and other parts of the Africa and the world. The company, on Nov 10th, 2025 in Nairobi, unveiled results from a baseline public Safety perceptions survey conducted in partnership with IPSOS. “This is a baseline survey that will set the foundation and pace for more elaborate research initiatives in the sector. In future surveys, we shall seek the collaboration and even approval where necessary of other of our partners and regulatory authorizes,” explained Sandra Buyole, Regional PR Manager Africa (Bolt) at the report unveiling event
An AI overview describes a baseline survey as a study conducted at the beginning of a project to establish a starting point by assessing the current situation, status, and conditions before any intervention occurs. It provides benchmark data that can be used to measure progress, assess impact, and make project management decisions by comparing the results of an endline survey (conducted after the project) against this initial data. Synonyms for this type of study include baseline assessment, baseline study, or initial assessment.
Reports released at the survey unveiling indicated that 250 hail-taxi riders who have been active in the last 12 month were sampled in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu cities and Nakuru town. The Report indicates that 94 per cent of Kenyan ride-hailing users now consider ride-hailing services inherently safer than conventional transport modes such as matatus and traditional taxis. These findings showcase a significant shift in public perception and a growing reliance and trust on technology-driven mobility solutions. The trust is primarily attributed to myriad factors, including consistent reliability, the robust integration of cutting-edge, technology-enabled safety tools, and, crucially, the sense of control that empower passengers with throughout their journeys.
The survey findings show that trends in the sector are driven mainly by women 70 per cent and especially in the 18- 43 years age bracket with some using the service daily (29 per cent); several times a month (44 per cent); a few times per week (18 per cent) and rarely 8 per cent. With regards to age, usage patterns show that ride-hailing is mainly determined by passengers’ age viz. in the 25 – 34 years age bracket (44 per cent); 18-24 years (38%); 35-44 years (12 per cent) and 45 years and above 6 per cent.
According to the report and discourses at the survey launch, some of the factors that essentially motivate passengers to opt for hail –riding include safety in decision-making by the drivers; convenience & comfort (70 per cent); safety 57 per cent; reliability & availability (44 per cent); professional driving & conduct (26 per cent); affordability (25 per cent) and better vehicles quality (25 per cent). Other concerns that attract passengers to ride-hailing were identified to include known safety features including real–time GPS tracking (78 per cent of respondents); emergency SoS buttons (78 per cent) and drivers’ verification (even through photos displayed in the vehicles- 79 per cent) among others. At large , 97 per cent of respondents felt safer with hail-riding; 2 per cent were not sure of assured safety and 1 per cent did not think hail-riding any safer.
Generally, the survey covered several areas including Ride-hailing usage Trends-Kenya; Convenience & Comfort Shaping Safety Perceptions-Kenya; Safety Driven Choices: When Kenyans turn to Ride-Hailing; Feeling Safer at Night: What Builds trust in Ride-hailing; Ride-hailing as a Safety Net for Loved Ones; Perceived Impact on Drunk Driving-Kenya; Wide-hailing Widely seen as safer than other Transport Options & safety features Reinforce Passenger Confidence.
These users consistently associate ride-hailing with comfort, reliability, and an invaluable sense of peace of mind, all of which contribute to a superior transport experience. Furthermore, the report found that a substantial 64% of users have proactively booked rides for their friends or family members, often in situations where they were deemed unfit to drive or were in critical need of safe, secure, and convenient door-to-door transportation.
And according to Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, Bolt, safety has always been at the core of the Bolt business. “Safety transcends the mere avoidance of harm; it is built on the premise of preventing incidents through the smart use of technology, data, and accountability. Over the years, we’ve invested in systems that allow riders to feel more in control, from real-time GPS tracking, trip safety monitoring, verified riders and drivers to our in-app emergency response tools,” he explains. He affirms that the findings reaffirm that safety and reliability are not just expectations from users, but the foundation of trust that defines the company’s relationship with passengers.
The Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa, Soyinka Witness, asserts that the research reflects a significant behavioral shift in how Kenyans approach urban mobility. “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. The results point to the growing role of technology in shaping public confidence in transport and fostering safer commuting habits across cities,” he observes.
According to the presenters at the event, as Kenya continues its rapid adoption and acceptance of digital mobility solutions, the findings serve as a powerful reaffirmation of ride-hailing’s crucial and transformative role as a catalyst for promoting safer, smarter, and ultimately more responsible transport choices that benefit individuals and the broader community alike.{Ends}
