By Eddah Waithaka
Women and young people in Kenya are driving a major shift in night-time mobility, turning overwhelmingly to ride-hailing platforms for safer travel after dark, according to a new national survey.
The recently released Ipsos Ride-Hailing Safety Index Survey (2025) reveals that a striking 94% of users in Kenya feel safer using ride-hailing apps at night compared to traditional transport like matatus or taxis.
The data spotlights a digital safety revolution, with women and youth leading the adoption.Women constitute 70% of ride-hailing users, and the majority of all users fall within the 18–34 age bracket.
For these groups, safety is the non-negotiable priority.“The Safety Index report findings reinforce what our internal data and trends have shown over the years,” said Dimmy Kanyonkole, Senior General Manager, Rides, East Africa.
“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.”
Safety as the Primary Driver
The survey identifies safety not just as a benefit, but as the core motivator. 57% of respondents ranked safety as the primary reason for choosing ride-hailing, decisively influencing late-night travel for social events, work commutes, and other needs.
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Key data points from the survey underscore this trend. 94% attribute their sense of security to features like GPS tracking, verified driver identities, and door-to-door service. 89% have specifically chosen ride-hailing because it felt safer when fatigued, traveling late, or in unfamiliar areas.
63% use the services when too tired, unwell, or distracted to travel safely themselves, a pattern most common among young adults. 64% have booked rides for friends or family to ensure their safe return home.
Platform Data Mirrors Survey Findings
Bolt’s own year-end platform insights confirm the pattern, showing a consistent weekly spike in ride and delivery movement every Friday.
This surge signals the start of a weekend rhythm where Kenyans, particularly young women, rely on app-based mobility for nights out and events.
Curbing Drunk Driving and Building Trust
The report also positions ride-hailing as a powerful tool in road safety, with 79% of users believing these services reduce instances of drunk driving by providing a reliable alternative after social events.
Trust stems from concrete safety features. Driver verification, the SOS/emergency button, live GPS tracking, and trip-sharing tools ranked as the most valued elements, with 97% of users saying these features make them feel significantly safer.
As Kenya’s urban centres grow and night-time economies expand, the data highlights a critical juncture. Digital platforms are now frontline providers of safe night transport for vulnerable groups.
The report underscores the need for sustained collaboration between technology companies, policymakers, community groups, and safety advocates to ensure this sense of security strengthens and expands, allowing women and young people to navigate cities confidently after dark.
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