NAIROBI, Kenya- Bolt Kenya is gearing up to launch a fresh safety campaign, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing security for both passengers and drivers.
This comes amid the company’s broader efforts to improve the ride-hailing experience across the country, with a focus on safety, driver support, and sustainable transportation.
Linda Ndungu, General Manager of Bolt Kenya, provided insights into the upcoming safety initiatives, highlighting the company’s current security features.
Among these are an SOS button for emergencies, a trip-sharing feature for passengers, and enhanced training programs for drivers.
The newest addition to Bolt’s safety toolkit is a trip anomaly detection system, which monitors trips in real-time and alerts authorities if a ride stops unexpectedly.
Ndungu emphasized that Bolt is partnering closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Association of Professional Associations (APA) to ensure high safety and service standards for its drivers.
This collaboration includes background checks, such as Police Clearance Certificates, to guarantee drivers meet stringent safety and professionalism requirements.
“We aim to build a trusted community through these partnerships, offering passengers safe and reliable services,” Ndungu noted.
Beyond safety, Bolt Kenya is addressing the financial challenges faced by drivers, particularly with vehicle acquisition.
Ndungu discussed the company’s partnership with Haki, a financing firm known for offering ride-hailing services at fair interest rates.
The goal is to provide affordable vehicle financing to drivers, reducing the barriers to entry and ensuring that more of the drivers’ earnings go into their pockets.
“We didn’t want to burden our drivers with expensive financing options, so we partnered with Haki, which has a history of fair deals for ride-hailing services,” said Ndungu.
Bolt piloted this partnership in the third and fourth quarters of this year, offering additional financing to make vehicles more affordable for drivers.
In line with its commitment to sustainable transportation, Bolt Kenya has also launched a partnership with Mkopa to provide electric motorcycles to its riders.
The shift to electric bikes not only reduces operational costs but also increases earnings for drivers. “Running an electric bike is cheaper, and we’re focused on reducing the upfront cost for our riders to ensure they keep more money in their pockets,” explained Ndungu.
This move towards electric vehicles aligns with Bolt’s broader environmental goals and offers a tangible way for drivers to save on fuel while contributing to greener transportation options.
