Bolt has more than 25 million users in over 30 countries globally/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 19 – Ride-hailing platform Bolt, is set to launch its operations in 3 additional urban centers in Kenya, setting the stage for a continued push to expand its market footprint in the country.
Bolt’s launch in Kisumu, Kakamega and Thika will see the number of Kenyan towns and cities served by the platform rise from the current two, to five, making it the largest ride-hailing service provider in terms of geographical reach.
Speaking during the press conference, Ola Akinnusi, the Bolt Country Manager in Kenya, said that Bolt’s mission is to make urban transportation more convenient and affordable for more people, thus broadening the company’s reach, providing a platform for job creation through its social contribution.
“After Nairobi and Mombasa cities, it was natural that Bolt would gradually expand across the country. We now intend to build new communities in Kisumu, Kakamega and Thika as we continue to gain the trust of the Kenyan people,” said Akinnusi.
“Launching in these areas will allow us to provide a safe and affordable avenue for passengers to get a ride,” said Akinnusi. With the local expansions taking place, Bolt recently launching in London widening the scope of the business that now extends to private cars, e-scooters and motorcycles as well as food delivery in some parts of the world.
Bolt provides 85% net income in Kenya to its drivers, charging a commission of 15%.
Akinnusi says the company has also helped streamline safety regulations in the industry, providing safety features such as “Share your ETA” which allows customers to share their trip details with their loved ones, adding a dimension that is not available in traditional taxis.
“We are always looking out for partnerships and opportunities that will enable drivers to reduce the cost of doing business and have better earnings. We have always believed that happy drivers translate into better customer service for the riders,” said Akinnusi
The company has also laid out a rapid expansion plan in East Africa with a five-year strategy focused on local transportation options such as ‘boda bodas’ and ‘tuk tuks’.
Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, is the leading European transportation platform that’s focused on making urban travel easier, quicker and more reliable.
