Amid reports of Bolt’s licence renewal being declined, the digital ride-hailing company has made it clear that it has no intention of leaving the Kenyan market.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had raised concerns about alleged violations of transportation regulations, which included unauthorized commission charges and booking fees.
The NTSA’s concerns prompted a halt in the license renewal process, with the authority demanding a comprehensive plan of action from Bolt. In response, Bolt has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with Kenyan regulations and building a sustainable business that benefits all stakeholders in the ecosystem. The company expressed its readiness for collaborative discussions with regulators, driver-partners, and the public to ensure full compliance and income generation on its platform.
One of the key accusations against Bolt was the imposition of an unauthorized 5% booking fee, in addition to the 18% commission set by the NTSA. However, Bolt clarified that this booking fee is paid by passengers using the Bolt app and is not deducted from the driver’s earnings.
Bolt has also been actively addressing concerns raised by drivers.
In response to long-standing requests for improved conflict resolution mechanisms, Bolt established a Driver Engagement Center in Nairobi to enhance driver relations and address daily operational challenges.
The company emphasised its ongoing engagement with drivers on its platform, working to enhance the driver experience and support their success in their businesses. Looking ahead, Bolt is in discussions with regulators to ensure compliance. The company was issued a Transport Network Company licence on October 28, 2022, which remains valid as it engages with the NTSA for renewal.
Moreover, Bolt is committed to expanding its footprint in Kenya in 2024.
With an investment of 100 million Euros (equivalent to KES 15,810,148,800), Bolt plans to offer its services in more cities and towns across the country. In a forward-looking move, Bolt is investing at least Sh100 million in the Kenyan market to introduce electric mobility (e-mobility) solutions, allowing Kenyans to hail electric vehicles through the app. While e-bicycles are already available on the platform for Bolt food deliveries, this initiative marks a significant step towards a sustainable and innovative future for Bolt in Kenya.