Bolt’s driver verification feature is being recognized as a key factor in enhancing ride-hailing safety in Kenya, according to a new Safety Index report by Ipsos.
Commissioned by Bolt, the study shows that ride-hailing users now increasingly trust technology-driven mobility solutions over conventional transport options.
According to Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager at Bolt, “Safety is at the core of our service. Driver verification ensures that every ride starts with trust. Coupled with real-time GPS tracking and emergency tools, it gives our users control and peace of mind. This report confirms that safety isn’t just an expectation—it’s the foundation of trust between Bolt and our riders.”
The report, which surveyed 250 active ride-hailing users across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, found that 79% of respondents consider Bolt’s driver verification feature the most valuable safety tool on the platform. Users cited it as critical in boosting confidence when traveling, particularly for women and young adults, who form a large share of the ride-hailing market.
Sometime back, Bolt permanently blocked over 6,000 drivers from its platform due to non-compliance and safety-related matters. Announced in its South African region, the firm said the move was part of it’s ongoing commitment to providing safety for its ride-hailing and online ordering sectors. The purge, which affected both drivers and riders reported for misconduct and non-compliance, took over six months.
After that, launching safety features gives both the passengers and drivers the confidence to patronize the service hence the study.
The study further revealed that 94% of ride-hailing users feel safer using the app than other transport modes while 97% said integrated safety features, including driver verification and the SOS button, significantly enhance their sense of security. From the report, 94% feel particularly secure when traveling at night, thanks to real-time location tracking and verified driver identities.
The report also highlighted the wider impact of ride-hailing on responsible mobility in Kenya. Approximately 79% of users believe the service has helped reduce drunk driving, and 64% have booked rides for friends or family members in situations where safe transport was essential.
As ride-hailing adoption grows across Kenya, Bolt’s verified driver system continues to set the benchmark for safety standards in the industry, reinforcing technology’s role in fostering safer and more responsible transport choices.
“Bolt’s focus on verified drivers and integrated safety features reflects a broader shift in urban mobility. Users increasingly value services that provide reliability, comfort, and safety, particularly during nighttime travel,” said Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos Sub-Saharan Africa.
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