Ride-hailing company Bolt Kenya has issued a stern warning to drivers and riders against engaging in offline trips during the festive season.
In a statement dated December 18, Bolt emphasized that trips arranged outside its platform pose significant safety risks. The company urged users to prioritize their safety by strictly using the Bolt app for all rides.
“Safety is our top priority at Bolt. We strongly advise both drivers and riders to use the Bolt app for all their trips to ensure their safety. By keeping rides within the app, users are guaranteed the safety features our platform provides,” said Hazel May Omune, Safety Manager for Bolt Africa.
Omune noted that offline trips bypass crucial safety measures, such as trip tracking, identity verification, and emergency support systems.
“Offline trips undermine the safety features we have in place to protect our users, such as ride tracking, access to emergency response, and location sharing with loved ones during trips,” she added.
Bolt highlighted several safety precautions available within the app to ensure a secure experience for both drivers and passengers:
Location Sharing: Riders and drivers can share their real-time location, trip details (vehicle make, model, registration number), and live updates with trusted contacts via a secure link.
Emergency Assist Button: In case of emergencies, users can discreetly alert Bolt’s emergency response team using the in-app feature. Bolt’s safety team is immediately notified and conducts a welfare check to address the situation promptly.
The company encouraged users to report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior through the app for swift investigation.
Bolt reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, reliable, and seamless mobility experience for all users in Kenya. The platform’s safety team is available 24/7 to assist and support users during and after trips.
Since its launch in Kenya in 2016, Bolt has expanded its operations across the country, starting in Nairobi and later reaching other towns. The platform operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities globally, offering services such as ride-hailing, scooter and car rentals, food and grocery delivery, and corporate mobility solutions.
