NAIROBI, Kenya – Ride-hailing firm Bolt has begun equipping its vehicles with dashboard cameras that capture both the cabin and the road, a move aimed at improving safety and resolving disputes between drivers and passengers.
The rollout is being implemented in partnership with U.S.-based Driver Technologies, whose smartphone app transforms a driver’s phone into a dash cam capable of recording simultaneous interior and exterior footage.
Under the plan, drivers will enjoy free access to the app for the first month before shifting to a heavily discounted subscription at 75 percent off.
Recorded video will be directly accessible to Bolt’s customer support team for verification whenever incidents or disputes are reported.
Tackling Cost Barriers
Bolt Rides General Manager Dimmy Kanyankole said drivers had long requested dash cams to protect themselves and document trips, but the expense of acquiring reliable devices has been prohibitive.
“Driver partners frequently share that dash cams provide not only enhanced security and peace of mind, but also greater accountability in their trips. Unfortunately, the cost of acquiring a reliable device has often been a barrier,” Kanyankole told Business Daily. “We are addressing this challenge by offering discounted access to premium dash cam features. This empowers drivers with tools that improve safety, support accurate clarification of incidents, and foster greater trust between drivers and passengers.”
Added Protection for Drivers and Riders
The company says the initiative will reduce safety incidents by supplying credible evidence that can be shared with customer support teams, police, or insurance firms in the event of accidents, harassment claims, or fare disputes.
Although installation is optional, Bolt is urging drivers to take advantage of the program, noting that most conflicts currently boil down to word-against-word complaints without verifiable proof.
Wider Push for Safer Rides
The launch comes as ride-hailing platforms in Kenya continue to face safety concerns, with police recently reporting arrests linked to robberies targeting Bolt riders.
It also aligns with broader government and industry efforts to strengthen accountability in public transport through technology, such as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directive to install CCTV in all police stations.
