Nairobi — A new Ipsos Safety Index commissioned by ride-hailing platform Bolt shows that 94 percent of Kenyans consider ride-hailing services safer than traditional transport modes such as matatus and conventional taxis, highlighting a major shift in public perception toward tech-driven mobility.

The study, which surveyed 250 active users across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, attributes this confidence to the reliability of ride-hailing apps and their advanced in-app safety tools that give passengers greater control throughout their trips.

According to the report, women account for 70 percent of ride-hailing users in Kenya, with most aged between 18 and 34. The top reasons cited for using ride-hailing services were convenience (70 percent) and safety (57 percent), followed by comfort and reliability.

Beyond convenience, the survey found that 79 percent of Kenyans believe ride-hailing has helped curb drunk driving, offering a safer alternative for late-night travel. Additionally, 64 percent of users reported booking rides for friends or relatives in situations where safety was a concern.

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"Safety has always been at the core of our business at Bolt," said Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager at Bolt.

"We've invested in systems that allow riders to feel more in control -- from real-time GPS tracking and trip safety monitoring to verified riders, drivers, and in-app emergency response tools."

The report further revealed that 97 percent of riders feel safer because of integrated app features, with driver verification (79 percent) and the SOS button (78 percent) ranked as the most valued tools.

Meanwhile, 94 percent of users said they feel safer using ride-hailing services at night, thanks to real-time location sharing and flexible drop-off options that enhance personal security.

Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa, said the findings reflect a "significant behavioral shift" in Kenya's urban transport culture.

"Ride-hailing is increasingly viewed as not only a convenient option but also a safer and more responsible one -- especially among young women and professionals," Witness noted. "Technology is reshaping public confidence in transport and fostering safer commuting habits across cities."