Nearly nine in ten Kenyans feel safer using ride-hailing services such as Bolt and Uber at night than traditional transport options, a new survey has revealed.
The 2025 Ipsos Ride-Hailing Safety Index Survey, commissioned by Bolt, found that 94 per cent of users feel more secure with app-based transport after dark. Women make up about 70 per cent of ride-hailing users, with most aged between 18 and 34.
Safety emerged as the primary reason for choosing these services at night, alongside convenience for socialising, work and commuting. Nearly all respondents, 97 per cent, said features like driver verification, emergency buttons, live GPS tracking and trip-sharing significantly boosted their confidence.
The survey also highlighted broader societal benefits. Some 79 per cent of users believe ride-hailing has helped reduce drink-driving by offering reliable alternatives after evenings out.
Dimmy Kanyonkole, Bolt’s senior general manager for rides in East Africa, said the findings aligned with the company’s data, which shows spikes in activity on Fridays linked to nightlife. “Women and young people overwhelmingly prefer app-based transport when moving at night because they can track their trip, verify their driver and get dropped directly at their doorstep,” he added.
The research, based on responses from active users in major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru, underscores a shift towards technology-driven mobility. It reflects growing trust in digital platforms amid ongoing concerns over safety in urban transport, particularly for vulnerable groups travelling late.
As Kenya’s cities expand and nightlife thrives, such services appear to be filling a critical gap, promoting not just convenience but responsible travel choices.
