(Nairobi) – Bolt has announced a significant commitment of KSh 14 billion over the next three years to bolster safety measures across its platform in Kenya. This investment will support a range of initiatives aimed at preventing safety incidents and raising awareness of the company’s safety tools.
The commitment will allow Bolt to scale up its safety efforts, led by a team of over 500 specialists from around the world. This team includes safety experts with backgrounds in product development, engineering, and operations, working together to address safety challenges in ride-hailing. Bolt’s General Manager, Linda Ndungu, emphasized the company’s serious approach to safety, stating that the Sh14 billion investment will focus on a comprehensive strategy across Kenya to prevent safety incidents before they occur.
As part of the plan, Bolt will introduce new features such as a trip verification system, which will include unique four-digit trip pick-up codes and trip count features designed to foster mutual trust between riders and drivers. These features aim to ensure accurate matching and improve the overall safety experience. Additionally, the company will continue to develop its Rider Verification solution, enhancing the platform’s security further.
Existing safety features like Ride Check, which proactively monitors trips for unexpected route changes or delays, will also be upgraded. Bolt will introduce a Trusted Contacts system, allowing users to send notifications to a friend or family member if Ride Check detects any irregularities. These updates aim to create a more secure environment for both riders and drivers.
The Bolt Safety Team is working closely with external experts to promote these measures and educate the public on how to use the platform’s safety tools. As part of its ongoing safety campaign in Kenya, Bolt is running an educational initiative to raise awareness about these in-app features, which have the potential to prevent safety issues before they arise.
The Sh14 billion commitment underscores Bolt’s dedication to improving safety for its users in Kenya. By investing in both technology and awareness campaigns, the company aims to continue providing a secure and reliable ride-hailing experience while contributing to safer transportation in the region.
Table: Key Safety Features and Upcoming Updates
| Safety Feature | Description | Upcoming Update |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Verification | Ensures mutual trust between drivers and riders with unique codes. | Addition of trip count and four-digit pick-up codes. |
| Rider Verification | Enhances the verification of riders for added safety. | Continued scaling of the solution to cover more users. |
| Ride Check | Monitors trip routes for unexpected changes or delays. | Upgrades to detect route deviations more effectively. |
| Trusted Contacts | Sends notifications to friends or family if Ride Check detects issues. | New integration with Ride Check to escalate notifications. |