Uber Boda Introduces New Safety and Green Transport Features in Kenya

Uber has introduced new safety and eco-friendly features for its motorcycle taxi service, Uber Boda, aiming to improve the quality and safety of boda boda rides in Kenya.

The new updates include GPS tracking, real-time trip monitoring, and an emergency help button in the app. Drivers also go through strict background checks and receive professional training to ensure they follow safe riding practices and offer good customer service.

“Safety has always been a key part of what we do,” said Cassie Jaganyi, Uber’s Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our technology and training raise the bar for motorcycle taxi safety in Kenya, so riders and drivers feel more secure.”

Every Uber Boda trip is tracked from start to finish using GPS. Riders can also use the ‘Share My Trip’ feature to send trip details—including the route and estimated arrival time to friends or family for extra peace of mind.

If something goes wrong, riders can press the emergency button in the app to quickly contact emergency services.

Uber Boda has also made pricing more transparent. Riders see the fare upfront, avoiding arguments over price and making the ride experience easier and stress-free.

As part of its push for clean transport, Uber Boda is working with Greenwheels Africa to introduce electric motorcycles into its fleet. These bikes help cut down on pollution while still focusing on safety.

“By combining our electric transport knowledge with Uber’s technology, we’re able to offer safer and cleaner rides,” said Nabil Anjarwalla, CEO of Greenwheels Africa.

Uber is also working with local authorities to monitor safety and handle incidents. They aim to set new safety standards and give riders a better, more reliable way to get around, while creating respectful job opportunities for drivers.

Electric boda bodas have become more popular in Kenya, especially in Nairobi. Back in 2010, these bikes were rare due to high prices and a lack of charging stations.

Things started changing around 2016, when companies like Roam and Arc Ride brought in electric motorbikes with battery-swapping options, making them more practical for riders.

From 2021 to 2023, interest grew even more as the Kenyan government supported electric transport as part of its climate goals. Private companies also began building charging networks to support the shift.

By 2024, electric boda bodas became more common, and Uber Boda became one of the first major services to add them to their operations.

Better batteries and rising fuel prices have pushed more riders to switch to electric bikes, which are cheaper to run.

Today, Nairobi leads the way in electric motorcycle use, and the country plans to expand these clean transport options across Kenya in the coming years. Electric boda bodas are now seen as an important part of Kenya’s future transport system cleaner, cheaper, and safer.

By Maxwell Maungu