“SafeBoda’s Resurgence in Kenya: A Second Chance with a Fresh Strategy – Now Offering SafeCar along with Boda Bodas!”
After a three-year hiatus, SafeBoda is making a bold return to the Kenyan market. In a strategic pivot, the startup is not just resuming its motorcycle (boda boda) services but is also venturing into car-hailing with the introduction of SafeCar.
This shift reflects SafeBoda’s pursuit of potentially higher profitability and improved unit economics through car hailing. Building on its success in Uganda, where it gained substantial market share from Uber with its car-hailing service, SafeCar now aims to capture a share of Kenya’s expansive market, rivalling the likes of South Africa and Nigeria.
Kenyans can expect the revival of both SafeBoda and the introduction of SafeCar services starting from the 8th of February. However, in a landscape dominated by established players like Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab, as well as newcomers like Fara’s, SafeBoda’s return will serve as a litmus test for its adaptability and competitiveness in the ever-evolving African ride-hailing industry.
An intriguing aspect will be the composition of SafeCar’s fleet. Since its departure, there has been a surge in e-mobility in Kenya, with key players incorporating electric-powered motorbikes and vehicles into their fleets. Following this trend, SafeBoda is likely to follow suit, joining the wave of sustainability by including electric boda bodas and cars in its fleet.
Reflecting on its earlier departure in 2020, SafeBoda had expressed the difficulty in making that decision but emphasized its dedication to empowering communities. The return of this ride-hailing startup signals to the market that an exit doesn’t necessarily mean the end, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the dynamic African ride-hailing landscape.