Published on April 10, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Bolt Kenya has announced a 46% reduction in offline (off-app) trips across its platform, following the implementation of a series of enhanced safety measures designed to protect both passengers and drivers.
The decline, recorded over the past six months, is a clear indicator of growing compliance with Bolt’s platform safety measures and a positive shift toward safer ride-hailing practices in the country.
The company attributes the drop to a combination of stricter enforcement, such as a more consistent, proactive identification and action against offline behavior and security measures aimed at discouraging off-platform transactions. This practice circumvents in-app safety features such as GPS tracking, rider and driver identification, and emergency support.
“This decline in offline trips signals a major shift toward safer, more accountable ride-hailing behavior in the market,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager, Kenya and Tanzania. “It reflects the impact of our work behind the scenes to protect passengers and drivers and to ensure the integrity of every trip on our platform.”
Bolt has deployed a number of initiatives to drive this change, including a zero-tolerance policy on off-app trip violations, real-time ride monitoring, and an automated system that flags suspicious activity. In parallel, the company has scaled its driver training programs and launched educational campaigns to inform both drivers and passengers of the risks associated with taking trips outside the app.
Offline trips remain a concern across the ride-hailing industry, particularly due to the safety risks they present when trips are not tracked, verified, or protected by platform policies. By reducing the prevalence of these trips, Bolt is reinforcing its commitment to building a secure and trusted transportation network in Kenya.
“Safety is not just a feature; it’s a culture we’re building across the platform, trip by trip,” added Kanyankole. “While we are proud of this progress, we recognize that more work lies ahead. We will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders, regulators, and the public to raise safety standards across the board.”
Bolt continues to urge passengers to always book their rides through the app and to avoid accepting offline trips, even if requested by a driver. Using the app ensures access to key safety features such as live trip tracking, driver ratings, in-app SOS alerts, and 24/7 customer support. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to investing in technology and partnerships that strengthen safety and accountability across the ride-hailing industry.
