As we reported last month, SafeBoda has officially announced its return to Nairobi, Kenya, after a hiatus of 3 years. The company’s decision to re-enter the Kenyan market is pushed by the need to firm its existence as a market leader in the region and also expand its customer base beyond just Uganda.
SafeBoda is making a comeback armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to enhancing the transportation experience in Nairobi. The company is not only relaunching its bike-hailing services but also introducing SafeCar, a new offering aimed at providing passengers with a secure and dependable car-hailing option.
Rob Sanford, CEO of SafeBoda, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s return to Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe and convenient transportation for all. Sanford stated, “We are thrilled to be back in Nairobi, a city with a special place for SafeBoda. Our mission has always been to make transportation safer and more convenient for everyone, 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 commitment to prioritizing safety and customer satisfaction. Mwaura emphasized SafeBoda’s rigorous safety protocols and driver training programs to ensure a comfortable and secure ride for passengers.
A time to revive
SafeBoda goes back to Kenya at a time when the safety of ride-hailing app users is paramount, something that the company had a stronghold on at the time when it operated the boda business in the country.
Players like Bolt and Uber have faced the wrath of angry and disappointed customers over their failure to keep up the standard for their car services, something that the SafeCar option needs to keep in place. Additionally, the thriving of Little in the corporate space and Faras’ disruptive marketing of its boda business seem to pose a challenge for the orange camp.
Beyond just COVID-19, when the ride-hailing platform left Nairobi in November 2020, there was a light shed on its struggles in the Kenyan capital. Users had been voicing concerns about the conduct of riders, ranging from ignoring calls to haggling over fares and even allegations of theft. This is something to reflect on as the company revives its dedication to maintaining high standards of service.
