Yesterday [13/09/2018], Uganda's ride-hailing startup, SafeBoda launched their training academy to professionalize boda bodas. "SafeBoda has [launched] a new training center in Kyebando, Kampala," wrote the startup.
Dr. Kasima Stephen (AIGP), the Police Director in charge of traffic and road safety, launched the center.
Ricky Papa - a co-founder, pointed out the importance of the centre. He said that it is a part of their 'revamped sustainable program' aimed at "improving safety standards among new and existing SafeBoda riders."
"The SafeBoda Academy will go a long way in enhancing the SafeBoda customer experience, through improved quality services among our riders because they will be equipped with the best riding and customer care skills,” Ricky added.
Also read: Uganda’s SafeBoda is rumored to have raised $1.1 Million this year
SafeBoda has an existing and growing demand for its services that exceeds its supply.
The startup has over 5000 boda-boda riders in their portfolio. This is over 2.5x their number of drivers at the beginning of this year. Yet, they still can't afford to meet their current demand. Especially during peak hours, like morning.
But, the center could go a long way to address that if it meets the stated figures.
According to SafeBoda, the facility is the " first of its kind in East Africa." They also pointed out that with the center, it now has the capacity to train up to 1,000 boda-boda drivers a week." Adding that they are looking at training over 50,000 boda-boda riders in the next 12-months.
Competition in the ride-hailing space in East Africa - especially boda-boda - is growing. But, many that are joining seem to be lacking in the basics like safety and uniformity in the code of conduct among their drivers.
One can cite the example of Taxify and Uber. The two launched their boda-hailing services in Uganda earlier this year with the aim of going after SafeBoda. But, it is not uncommon to see drivers for either not carrying a helmet for a passenger.
Thus, with this facility, SafeBoda will only further strengthen their position as the market leader in the two-wheeler riding space.