Denis Opudo
In 2015, Peter Kariuki and Barret Nash launched SafeMotos app in Rwanda. The innovation aids motor taxi operators to offer demand-driven services via the mobile phone app. The company is characterized by the provision of similar motorbikes with red color body parts and thin silver streaks. In addition, all operators wear green protective helmet gear plus an extra helmet for the customers.
Besides, service sharing, the application promotes safe transportation through real-time automatic monitoring of SafeMotors drivers. A minimum experience of three years, regular screening, and ninety percent score form the three pillars requirements for SafeMotors riders. The app assists in recording the riders speed, gyroscope information, acceleration and running location. Information obtained facilitates in giving riders score out of 100% on a daily basis.
Nash, a Canadian and Kariuki from Kenyan borrowed the innovative idea during 2015 startups competition in Kenya where SafeMotors emerged the winner. The two individuals vowed to apply the tech in the transportation of agricultural commodities both in Africa and outside the continent.
According to Nash, motorcycle taxi is cheap and flexible to use in congested traffic jams in most cities. SafeMotors users range from business individuals, students, civil servants and orphanage children among other road users. Moreover, the company contributes both economically and socially via training, employment opportunities and weekly-based English classes to SafeMotors drivers.
Jazbec report, on the other hand, noted that the initiative contributes significantly towards solving problems related poor infrastructure surrounding the continent. However, about 80% of road accidents in Kigali Rwanda revolve about motorcycles operation. The statistic further shows that traffic accident; malaria and AIDS top the cause of deaths in the continent.
Currently, SafeMotors has managed to revolutionized motorcycle industry and transform the lives of more than 400 motorcycle drivers in Kigali Rwanda.
