In the last half-year, Bolt has taken decisive action by removing 5,000 Kenyan drivers who didn’t adhere to safety regulations or were involved in safety-related incidents. This move comes in response to a directive from Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
In October, the NTSA called on Bolt to address safety concerns raised by riders and drivers. These concerns included illegal commission charges and the contentious booking charge, a service fee directly imposed on passengers. Resolving these issues was crucial for Bolt to renew its annual license.
To comply, Bolt devised a comprehensive safety plan and eliminated the controversial booking charge. The company also invested KESS20 million ($130,000) towards safety initiatives in Kenya.
Bolt’s safety measures encompass various strategies, such as random driver selfie checks, comprehensive training programs for both riders and drivers, and strict enforcement of compliance with immediate consequences for violators, including permanent suspension from the platform. Additionally, the company has improved reporting tools to streamline the reporting of safety concerns.
Having fulfilled NTSA’s key requirements, Bolt has successfully renewed its operating license for the upcoming financial year. This underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for both riders and drivers. 🚗🛣️