SafeBoda, a startup, renowned for its motorcycle ride-hailing services, has returned to the Kenyan market after a three-year hiatus, and seeks to reintroduce its services alongside a new a car-hailing service named SafeCar, aimed at enhancing its market presence and profitability.
In including car-hailing among its services, SafeBoda has recognised the potential for improved profitability and superior unit economics that the car-hailing segment offers. Having successfully penetrated Uganda and with a track record of outperforming competitors like Uber with its car-hailing offerings, SafeBoda is now eyeing Kenya’s vast market. The Kenyan market is reportedly comparable in size to South Africa and Nigeria.
Scheduled to commence operations on 8th February, 2024, Kenyan consumers will soon have access to both SafeBoda’s traditional motorcycle ride-hailing services and the newly introduced SafeCar service.
In a statement to its Kenyan customers in 2020, SafeBoda expressed gratitude for their support and commitment to community empowerment, despite the challenging decision to exit the market temporarily.
SafeBoda’s re-entry into the Kenyan market comes with challenges, since its rivals include established industry giants such as Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab, as well as emerging players like Fara. The startup’s ability to adapt and remain competitive amidst this evolving landscape will be a critical test of its resilience and strategic agility.
An interesting aspect of SafeBoda’s relaunch will be the composition of its SafeCar fleet. Given the significant growth of the e-mobility sector in Kenya since its previous exit, it is anticipated that SafeBoda will integrate electric motorbikes and vehicles into its fleet, joining other leading industries in the current trend of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
