NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 18 – Ride-hailing platform YEGO Mobility has entered Kenya’s boda boda market, expanding beyond taxi services with the onboarding of more than 4,000 electric motorcycle riders in Nairobi.
The company, which launched its taxi and corporate mobility services in Kenya in 2022, said the boda service will offer metered fares, distinguishing it from other ride-hailing operators such as Bolt.
The new service is expected to begin operations in Nairobi in the coming days, giving passengers the option to book a boda through the YEGO platform or request the nearest available rider.
“YEGO has already demonstrated what its technology and operating model can deliver through our taxi-cab and corporate mobility services. We are now bringing that experience to Nairobi’s boda sector,” Karanvir Singh, CEO of YEGO Mobility, Kenya, said.
YEGO said passenger safety will remain a key requirement, with every rider required to complete its verification and onboarding process before being activated on the platform.
The process includes verification of riders’ identities, licences, motorcycle information and other documentation required by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Kenyan law.
Only riders who successfully complete the verification process will be permitted to offer rides through the platform.
“Sometimes I want to book before leaving, and sometimes I simply need the nearest boda immediately. YEGO gives me both options. Knowing that the fare will be metered and that the rider has gone through YEGO’s verification process gives me greater confidence,” Douglas N., a Nairobi boda passenger, said.
The company has also reduced its commission on trips activated using its Slide to Start feature to 10 percent, allowing riders to retain a larger share of the fare.
YEGO said its focus on electric motorcycles is also intended to help riders lower operating costs while supporting Kenya’s transition to cleaner transport.
“Electric motorcycles can significantly reduce riders’ operating costs and support Kenya’s transition to cleaner mobility, but putting motorcycles on the road is not enough,” Alok Srivastava, Director at YEGO Mobility, Kenya, said.
“Riders need access to passengers, reliable technology, efficient payments and daily operational support. YEGO brings these elements together. We are starting with EV bodas in Nairobi, but we intend to serve the estimated 2.7 million boda riders across Kenya,” he added.
