Bolt has faulted National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for its decision on Tuesday to reject the ride-hailing company’s bid to renew its operating license in Kenya.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bolt Country Manager in Kenya Linda Ndungu explained that the company had complied with all relevant regulations allowing it to operate in Kenya.

Ndungu says Bolt fully complied with NTSA's Transportation Network Companies (TNC), Owners, Drivers and Passengers Regulations, 2022 and stipulated licensing requirements.

“Bolt has been operating as a fully compliant operator as per the National Transport and Safety Authority (Transport Network Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations 2022 and the stipulated licensing requirements by the industry regulator, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA),” Ndungu stated.

She added: “Bolt was issued with a Transport Network Company licence, effective 28th October 2022 and has been fully compliant with the stipulated regulation to cap its commission rate at 18 per cent for drivers using our application.”

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Ndungu said the platform charges a fixed percentage booking fee that is paid by the passenger to help cover the costs of supporting and improving the ride-hailing platform.

Bolt pledged to work with relevant institutions to resolve the row and partner with key stakeholders improve the ride-hailing, micro-mobility and food delivery industry sustainably.

“Bolt would like to reiterate that the global nature of our business dictates that we work in collaboration with all the relevant government institutions to adhere to local and international standards and regulations,” she stated.

Ndungu downplayed recent industrial strikes by Bolt drivers as they protested low earnings and poor working conditions instead pledging to work to improve their working relationship.

“Ultimately, Bolt is cognizant of the fact that drivers are our biggest partners and as such, we continue to focus on their take-home earnings, bringing in more demand, and shortening the inconveniences or the costs they incur to offer services on our platform,” she added.

Bolt's statement came hours after NTSA declined to renew its license to operate in Kenya, citing allegations of non-compliance with the Transportation Network Companies (TNC), Owners, Drivers, and Passengers Regulations of 2022.

NTSA said the move was informed by a series of complaints from drivers and their representatives regarding purported violations of regulatory provisions by the ride-hailing giant.