Women and youth lead shift to safer night-time mobility in Kenya
A new study reveals that safety is the top reason people in Kenya choose ride-hailing services. Nearly all users feel more secure at night compared to traditional transport like matatus or taxis. The findings also highlight how these apps help reduce risks such as drunk driving and unsafe travel for women and young adults.
For many Kenyans, ride-hailing has become a lifeline when travelling feels unsafe. Around 63% of users turn to apps like Little Cab when too tired, unwell, or distracted to drive. Another 64% have booked rides for friends or family, particularly late at night, to ensure they get home safely.
The sense of security is strongest after dark. A striking 94% of respondents said they feel safer using ride-hailing apps at night, thanks to features like GPS tracking, verified driver identities, and door-to-door service. Similarly, 89% have chosen these services over alternatives in risky situations—whether due to fatigue, unfamiliar routes, or late-night travel.
Women and young people are the most frequent users. About 70% of ride-hailing customers in Kenya are women, with the majority aged 18 to 34. These groups increasingly rely on apps for safer movement after dark, especially in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.
Beyond personal safety, ride-hailing is also cutting down on drunk driving. Nearly 80% of users believe these services have reduced the chances of people driving under the influence. The shift comes as platforms partner with organisations like the Kenya Red Cross, UN Women, and the Safaricom Foundation. Since 2023, these collaborations have introduced extra safety measures, including emergency buttons and stricter driver checks.
The study confirms that ride-hailing is now a key part of safer travel in Kenya. With most users prioritising security over convenience, apps are filling gaps left by traditional transport. Features like real-time tracking and verified drivers continue to build trust, particularly among women and younger passengers.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
