Motorcycle-taxi-hailing platform SafeBoda has announced its return to the Kenyan market, marking the resumption of operations after a three-year absence. The company is slated to recommence services on February 10th, 2024.
SafeBoda initially entered the Kenyan market in 2018, with a commitment to professionalising the local motorcycle taxi industry, known as boda bodas. However, the company exited the Kenyan market in November 2020, citing operational challenges and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement of SafeBoda’s return was made through a social media post that humorously referenced the earlier departure from Nairobi. The post stated, “Na tulisema tunaondoka Nairobi? Ah makosa ni yetu!” translating to “And we said we are leaving Nairobi? Ah, mistakes are ours!“
The company’s website features a countdown timer, indicating the impending return to Nairobi and promoting SafeBoda as a safe, convenient, and affordable transportation option in the city.
SafeBoda paused its Kenyan operations in November 2020 due to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fierce competition in the Kenyan market also played a role in the decision, with the startup facing rivalry from other bike-hailing services like Bolt boda and uberBODA.
During its absence, SafeBoda focused on growing its operations in Uganda, where it initially launched in 2015, and Nigeria. Now, the company is poised to re-enter the Kenyan market, expressing a renewed commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation options for users in Nairobi.
