Driving Economic Growth: Safaricom Unveils Bundled Support for Ride-Hailing Operators

By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 9, 2025

Safaricom PLC has unveiled two new propositions, Ofa Ya Boda Boda and Bundle Ya Deree, targeting Kenya’s ride-hailing drivers and boda boda operators. The solutions are designed to ease the challenges faced by transport workers by bundling together affordable connectivity, subsidized fuel, insurance cover, and financial wellness programs.

Through these offerings, drivers and riders will access specially packaged voice and data bundles with free use of ride-hailing and navigation apps, ensuring they remain connected throughout the day. The packages also include subsidized insurance, covering accidents, illness, and income loss, alongside training in road safety and financial literacy. Safaricom has further introduced Safire Connect forums, aimed at equipping operators with entrepreneurship skills and digital and AI fluency to enhance their long-term financial security.

To address rising operational costs, Safaricom has partnered with Vivo Energy Kenya to provide weekly fuel discounts. Drivers subscribed to Bundle Ya Deree will enjoy reduced prices on Shell FuelSave Unleaded and V-Power every Friday at Shell outlets nationwide.

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

Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, emphasized the company’s broader vision in rolling out the initiative. “Our purpose is to transform lives by empowering people to people, opportunity, and knowledge. With Ofa Ya Boda Boda and Bundle Ya Deree, we achieve all three in one initiative—offering connectivity, safety, insurance, and financial empowerment to this vital sector.”

The launch comes at a time when the transport industry continues to play a central role in Kenya’s economy. According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the sector contributed 4.4 percent to the country’s GDP in 2024. Kenya has over 1.4 million registered motorcycles, directly employing more than one million people. With riders earning between KES 500 and KES 1,500 daily—translating to an estimated KES 1 billion in daily income—the sector remains a critical pillar of livelihoods and economic growth.

By addressing high costs, safety risks, and financial vulnerability, Safaricom’s new propositions position the company as a partner of choice for drivers and riders. The solutions are expected to help operators work more efficiently, save money, and secure their future.

Boda boda riders can subscribe to Ofa Ya Boda by dialing 5448#, while ride-hailing drivers can access Bundle Ya Deree through 5446#.