It has been three years since Safeboda ceased operations in Kenya and now, word has it that the ride-hailing platform is resuming operations this February. Back in November 2020 when the platform paused operations in Kenya, it cited a weigh-down of its operations and sustainability after COVID-19 struck.
In a social media post, the platform confirmed the resumption of operations starting with Nairobi with a countdown clock on its official website hinting at a February, 05 launch date.
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SafeBoda is a ride-hailing service that once operated in several African countries, including Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya. The company’s mission is to empower communities by providing affordable services at the click of a button.
SafeBoda offers a mobile app that allows customers to book rides with trained and professional motorcycle riders. The company also provides payment and financial services that allow customers to make mobile payments for all their daily needs in one place, at the most affordable rates.
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Safeboda was founded in 2015 in Uganda, one that remains its largest market to date. Operations ceased in Kenya in 2020, followed by Nigeria, the other market it was operating in, in 2022.
With this relaunch of operations in Kenya, there’s still no word on availability in Nigeria or even plans to expand operations to other African countries.
While Safeboda was away, competitors like Bolt and Uber introduced Motorcycle rides as part of their offered ride choices, thereby bringing the largely unregulated bodaboda operators into the ride-hailing space. It’ll be interesting to see how these compete once Safeboda resumes next month.