Linda Ndungu, the General Manager of Bolt Kenya, has announced the implementation of an advanced trip anomaly detection system designed to enhance the safety of its ride-hailing services. This sophisticated system enables the company to monitor all ongoing trips in real-time, ensuring immediate detection of any irregularities. Should a trip come to an unexpected halt, the system is configured to promptly notify the relevant authorities, thereby increasing the safety net for both passengers and drivers.
This new safety feature is the latest addition to Bolt’s comprehensive suite of security measures. The company has already established several initiatives, such as an emergency SOS button within the app, which passengers can use to quickly summon help in critical situations. Additionally, Bolt offers a trip-sharing function that allows passengers to share their live journey details with trusted contacts, ensuring that someone is always aware of their whereabouts. To further bolster safety, Bolt has ramped up its driver training programs, emphasizing the importance of security as part of its overarching safety campaign.
In a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of safety and service quality, Bolt is actively collaborating with key industry stakeholders. The company has forged partnerships with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Association of Professional Associations (APA). These partnerships are instrumental in maintaining rigorous safety protocols and professional standards among Bolt’s driver community.
Linda Ndungu also highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering a safe and trustworthy environment for its users. To this end, Bolt requires all potential drivers to submit a Police Clearance Certificate as part of their background verification process. The close cooperation with both the NTSA and the APA ensures that drivers adhere to the necessary safety and professional criteria.
Moreover, Bolt is taking significant steps to support its drivers financially. The company has partnered with Hakki Africa, a burgeoning Kenyan microfinance startup, to facilitate vehicle financing for drivers. This collaboration aims to deploy 1,500 vehicles over the next 18 months. Hakki Africa will provide a bespoke credit scoring system and other financial technology solutions specifically designed for Kenyan taxi drivers, who typically face challenges in accessing conventional financial services. This initiative is pivotal in helping drivers build their creditworthiness and secure financing for vehicles. Drivers who qualify for the program can look forward to reduced down payments on loans and incentives that are contingent on their performance.
In a landmark move, Bolt, in conjunction with M-KOPA, a leading fintech platform headquartered in Nairobi, unveiled their electric motorcycle fleet in Kenya in April 2024. Ndungu pointed out that operating electric bikes is more cost-effective, and the company is dedicated to lowering the initial costs for riders, thereby increasing their take-home earnings.
Come August 2024, Bolt Kenya made the decision to increase fares across all its ride categories by up to 10%. This adjustment came on the heels of a week-long protest by drivers who were advocating for better pay. In response to the drivers’ concerns over pricing and earnings, Bolt engaged in extensive roundtable discussions. Ndungu emphasized that the company’s primary concern is the net income of the drivers. She noted that drivers retain 82% of each fare, with Bolt receiving an 18% commission. She also mentioned that the company is open to adjusting fares in response to fluctuations in fuel prices to ensure that drivers continue to receive fair compensation.
