Bolt, a pan-African ride-hailing company, has announced a KSH 14 B (USD 108 M) commitment over the next three years to enhance safety for both riders and drivers across Kenya, marking a significant investment in the company’s efforts to address critical safety concerns in the ride-hailing industry.

As one of the most widely used mobility services in Kenya, Bolt is responding to pressing safety issues by bolstering its in-app security features, reinforcing safety protocols, and launching a comprehensive educational campaign to help users and drivers navigate the platform more safely.

The firm’s proactive approach aims to counter a variety of security challenges, from offline trips that bypass app pricing to cases of alleged assault, providing a much-needed assurance for users across the country.

This commitment includes the deployment of Bolt’s dedicated Safety Team, consisting of over 500 specialists and experts based at its headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, as well as across other markets. These experts, trained in product development, engineering, and operations, are tasked with addressing the complexities of safety within the ride-hailing industry.

Through the team’s efforts, Bolt has initiated multiple preventative measures that seek to reduce safety cases before they occur.

As part of its suite of safety measures, Bolt has introduced in-app tools such as Ride Check, which detects deviations in route or prolonged trip durations and triggers notifications for both the rider and designated contacts. The feature helps alert family members or friends in real time should any unusual activity arise, enhancing the sense of security for riders and keeping them connected.

Bolt has also rolled out new trip verification features, such as a unique four-digit trip pick-up code, to ensure that riders connect with the correct driver. These features collectively underscore Bolt’s approach to not only streamline rides but also to ensure that every journey is as safe as possible for both parties involved.

Complementing its in-app safety features, Bolt has intensified driver verification measures to ensure that every driver meets a high standard of accountability. In June, the company permanently blocked over 6,000 drivers from the platform due to non-compliance with safety standards. Drivers are now required to complete extensive background checks and are prohibited from sharing or renting their accounts to unregistered individuals ensuring that riders have consistent experiences with vetted professionals.

The Safety Team’s efforts are also complemented by an ongoing awareness campaign aimed at educating users on available in-app safety tools, aptly titled the ‘Bolt Safety Team’ campaign. This initiative is especially crucial as Kenya approaches the festive season, a period marked by increased ride requests and heightened demand on the platform.

Through these campaigns, Bolt seeks to reinforce the importance of safety tools, educating users and drivers alike on measures that can prevent incidents, from safety verification methods to behavioural expectations during rides. The campaign focuses on the key areas of user guidance, with Bolt reiterating the appropriate standards of conduct for its driver-partners.

As Bolt invests heavily in preventative measures, user education, and a reinforced verification process, it aims to enhance user confidence and attract more drivers to the platform, ultimately supporting the Kenyan economy through increased employment opportunities. The firm’s strategic move is set to position Bolt as a model for safe, efficient ride-hailing services, anticipating that this investment will serve as a foundation for a broader transformation in mobility standards across the continent.