Ride-hailing company Bolt has rolled out a new in-app safety feature designed to help drivers avoid areas they consider unsafe.
The company says the update maps locations linked to safety concerns, giving drivers more awareness before accepting trip requests.
How the New Bolt Safety Feature Works
The feature allows drivers to mark specific locations where they feel unsafe or where they have previously experienced security problems.
According to Bolt, drivers who decline trips to flagged high-risk areas will not face penalties, temporary suspensions, or rating reductions.
The company’s safety team reviews all suggested locations before they are added to the system. This review includes analysing trip patterns, past safety reports, and other risk signals on the platform.
Once a location is confirmed as high risk, the app notifies drivers whenever a trip request includes that destination.
Drivers Retain Full Control
Bolt emphasises that the tool is advisory and does not automatically block trips. Drivers remain free to accept or decline any ride request based on their judgment.
The company says the goal is to improve safety standards and reduce drivers’ exposure to potential danger while on the road.
Bolt East Africa Speaks on Driver Safety
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager for East Africa at Bolt, said driver safety remains a top priority for the company.
“Drivers are the backbone of our platform and deserve tools that help them make informed decisions,” Kanyankole stated.
“This feature gives drivers more awareness and confidence when accepting trips. We want to support them while building trust across the platform.”
The move comes amid growing concerns about driver security within Kenya’s ride-hailing sector, with companies under pressure to strengthen safety mechanisms for both drivers and passengers.
