Offline trips on the Bolt Kenya platform have fallen by an impressive 46 per cent in the last six months, thanks to a series of robust safety measures designed to secure both drivers and passengers.
This decline signals a growing commitment from users to follow safer ride-hailing practices in response to Bolt's heightened enforcement efforts.
Dimmy Kanyankole, the company’s General Manager for Kenya and Tanzania, shared his insights.
"This decline in offline trips signals a major shift toward safer, more accountable ride-hailing behavior in the market. 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," Kanyankole stated.
The significant reduction is a direct result of Bolt’s decision to crack down on off-platform transactions—an issue that has long posed safety risks.
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Offline rides bypass the vital security features provided by the app, such as GPS tracking, driver and rider identification, and emergency support.
By prioritising the enforcement of in-app ride booking, Bolt is pushing for safer transport options in Kenya.
Bolt’s efforts have included the introduction of a zero-tolerance policy towards offline trips.
The company also deployed real-time monitoring of rides and an automated system that flags any unusual activity.
On top of these technical measures, Bolt has ramped up its driver training programmes and launched public campaigns aimed at educating both drivers and passengers on the dangers of off-app trips.
Despite the positive shift, the practice of offline trips remains a concern for the broader ride-hailing industry, where safety risks are compounded by the absence of platform-backed protections.
But Kanyankole is quick to point out that this success is just a step in a larger journey.
“Safety is not just a feature; it’s a culture we’re building across the platform, trip by trip,” he added.
“While we are proud of this progress, we recognise that more work lies ahead. We will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders, regulators, and the public to raise safety standards across the board.”
With these measures in place, Bolt continues to urge passengers to always book rides through the app to enjoy crucial safety features such as live trip tracking, driver ratings, and 24/7 customer support.
The company is also pledging ongoing investments in technology and partnerships to further improve safety and accountability across the industry.
