Estonian ride-hailing company Bolt is taking swift action to address safety concerns and restore public trust in the wake of a recent high-profile kidnapping case in Nairobi involving one of its drivers. The incident prompted calls for a boycott of the Bolt app and raised questions about passenger safety in Africa.
To demonstrate its commitment to user safety, Bolt is now seeking a dedicated PR Manager to oversee its operations in Africa. The position, as advertised on the company’s LinkedIn page, will involve developing and implementing strategic communication plans across various markets. The PR Manager will also be responsible for managing local press officers and external public relations.
Bolt currently operates in six African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tunisia. The company is actively working to address safety issues and rebuild confidence among its user base.
Bolt clarified, in an email to Innovation Village, that the newly advertised PR Manager position is not related to the prevailing circumstances but is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication in the region. “The role has been open since May,” the email reads, and the decision to hire a PR Manager specifically for Africa reflects Bolt’s commitment to addressing challenges and implementing effective communication strategies.
In response to the incident, Bolt emphasised its priority of user safety and highlighted several safety features and measures implemented on its platform. The company’s Regional Press Officer shared the following information:
- Driver Verification: All drivers on the Bolt platform undergo a rigorous verification process, including the submission of relevant documents and a valid Police Clearance Certificate before joining.
- Driver Selfie Check: Bolt recently introduced a driver selfie check feature, requiring drivers to submit a picture of themselves to confirm their identity. This measure aims to address safety concerns related to drivers sharing accounts or creating multiple accounts.
- Trip Sharing: Bolt’s driver and rider trip-sharing feature allows users to share the status of their live trips with a third party, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring by Bolt throughout the journey.
- SOS Emergency Button: Bolt has implemented an SOS emergency button that enables users to request emergency support from local authorities.
- Driver and Car Verification: Riders can utilize the driver and car verification feature to confirm that the driver and vehicle match the information displayed in the app.
- Rider and Driver Rating System: Bolt encourages drivers and riders to rate each other after every trip, taking ratings seriously and blocking drivers and riders with significantly low scores.
- 24/7 Safety Monitoring: Bolt maintains constant monitoring for safety incidents to ensure a secure environment for its users.
In addition, Bolt offers a women-only category aimed at enhancing the safety and mobility of female passengers. This feature connects female riders with female drivers, expanding ride options while prioritising women’s safety and security.
Edited: This update aims to provide accurate and up-to-date details regarding Bolt’s safety measures and commitment to ensuring a secure ride-hailing experience for users in Africa.
