Enterprise Ecosystems

New Safaricom bundles target Kenya’s ride-hailing drivers

New Safaricom bundles target Kenya’s ride-hailing drivers

Safaricom said on Tuesday it has launched two new tailored solutions aimed at ride-hailing drivers and boda boda operators (a.k.a. bicycle and motorcycle taxis) in Kenya that include connectivity, insurance and financial advice.

The two new packages – Bundle Ya Deree and Ofa Ya Boda Boda, for drivers and boda boda riders, respectively – combine affordable voice and 4G data bundles with free access to navigation apps such as Google Maps and ride hailing apps.

The packages also include subsidized insurance covers on drivers and riders from accidents, illness, or loss of income, as well as training on financial literacy and road safety. Safaricom said it has also rolled out Safire Connect empowerment forums where riders and drivers can learn about entrepreneurship and ways to leverage digital and AI technologies for their business.

For the Bundle Ya Deree package, Safaricom said it will soon be adding fuel discounts on Fridays for Shell FuelSave Unleaded and V-Power at all Shell outlets across Kenya.

“We understand the challenges faced by Kenyans in the transport sector, especially with the rising cost of operations,” said Patrick Masinde, retail manager for Vivo Energy Kenya in a statement. “Through our partnership with Safaricom, we aim to ease this burden, with the fuel discounts to drivers being a significant boost for operators.”

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2025 Economic Survey, the transport sector accounted for 4.4% of Kenya's GDP in fiscal year 2024. There are over 1.4 million registered motorcycles offering ride services, with most riders earning between KES500 (around US$3.85) and KES1,500 per day, which generates an estimated KES1 billion in total income per day.

That makes the sector critical to livelihoods and economic growth, which is why it’s critical to address issues facing drivers and riders, particularly high costs, safety risks, and financial vulnerability, said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Safaricom’s chief consumer business officer.



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