TL;DR:
- Uber has introduced customizable Safety Preferences in Kenya, allowing you to set safety features like Ride Check and PIN verification for specific times or locations.
- Key features include GPS tracking, audio recording, and the ability to share trip details with trusted contacts.
- Drivers undergo annual background checks, vehicle inspections, and identity verifications to enhance safety.
- According to Uber’s Kenya Economic Impact Report, 96% of female riders prioritize safety features, with 70% finding Uber the safest way to travel home.
As the festive season nears, Uber has rolled out Safety Preferences in Kenya. This new feature allows you to manage safety tools in the app with ease, especially during nighttime trips.
With just a few taps, you can adjust settings for extra peace of mind while traveling.
How Safety Preferences Work
Through the Safety Preferences tab in the Uber app, you can select up to four safety features and customize them to turn on automatically.
You can apply these preferences to all rides, trips after 9 p.m., or whenever you’re leaving specific places like restaurants or bars.
Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, said, “The safety of the users on our platform is a key priority for Uber. As we approach the festive season, we want to make it easier for riders to access and take advantage of the safety features available on the Uber app.”
You can set your preferences under the app’s settings or tap the blue safety shield during your trip to adjust them instantly.
Key Safety Features
The new customizable safety features include:
1. Ride Check
This feature monitors your ride for unexpected stops or changes in route. If such events occur, the app sends an in-app notification to check if you’re okay and provides resources if needed.
2. PIN Verification
You can opt for a four-digit PIN to confirm your driver’s identity before starting your trip.
3. Audio Recording
During your trip, you can record audio through the app. These recordings remain encrypted and are stored securely on your device. Uber can only access them if you choose to share them as part of a reported incident.
4. Share My Trip
This lets you share your live location and trip details with friends or family for added security.
Addressing Rider Safety Concerns
According to Uber’s Kenya Economic Impact Report, 96% of female riders cite safety as a deciding factor for using Uber. The report also highlights that 70% of women find Uber the safest way to get home.
Also Read: Uber contributed an estimated KES 14.1 billion to Kenya’s economy in 2023
The company has also implemented rigorous driver checks. Drivers must undergo annual background checks with police clearance, vehicle inspections, and sexual misconduct training before accessing the platform.
Other Safety Measures
Uber has integrated additional tools to safeguard riders before, during, and after trips:
- Safety Centre: Access tips and resources about driver vetting, insurance coverage, and community guidelines.
- Real-Time ID Checks: Ongoing verification of drivers via selfie technology matched with government IDs.
- On-Trip Reporting: Report issues discreetly while traveling.
- Emergency Button: Connect to private emergency services through the app when necessary.
- GPS Tracking: Every ride is tracked from start to finish to monitor routes.
Manji added, “Uber is committed to being a leading safety innovator, leveraging technology to improve safety for all users.”
Whether you’re traveling late or during the festive rush, the Safety Preferences feature puts control in your hands. Open the app to tailor your safety settings today.
