On Friday, October 11, ride-hailing giants Bolt and Uber announced a new partnership with Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) aimed at improving safety and service quality.
The initiative focuses on removing unprofessional drivers who engage in sexual harassment, violate regulations, or overcharge customers by ignoring set prices.
The challenge has been that some drivers switch between different ride-hailing platforms to escape penalties or bans, particularly with new services entering the market.
By collaborating with the NTSA, which has access to comprehensive driver records, the authorities will now be able to suspend or revoke licenses for drivers who break the rules. This collaboration will make it easier for Bolt and Uber to handle problematic drivers.
The NTSA has requested that the ride-hailing platforms provide lists of drivers who have violated regulations, along with evidence, so appropriate actions can be taken. This shared system is expected to enhance customer safety and improve overall service quality.
In July 2023, Uber and Bolt also launched an in-app audio recording feature in Nigeria and South Africa to further boost safety for both riders and drivers. The recordings are automatically deleted after 24 hours unless reported, with Bolt retaining them for up to seven days for internal review.
